My top 5 of 2021

Every coin in this list is a rare coin of Domitian. For this who want to read the rest anyway...thanks for your attention.




5. Domitian AR Denarius
(3.24g)
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT, Kopf mit Lorbeerkranz n. r.
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P, Minerva steht mit Schild, Lanze und Victoriola n. l.
RIC 60
Purchased from Kolner Munzcabinet


I am always looking for these. In some cases these coins are misattributed as more common issues. It is important to pay attention to the legends because one never knows when a rarity will pop up. In many cases I have seen rare coins misattributed as more common issues. The opposite happens as well. In this case, the obverse legend is what makes this coin very special. The obverse legend ends with PONT. The speculation is that Domitian used this title before the title of Pontifex Maximus was officially awarded. This is possible because we only see PONT in the denarii of Domitian’s first year as Augustus. All denarii with PONT are very rare to extremely rare. If you wanted this specific type it might take years to find another. Although many may assume that the inclusion of PONT in the obverse legend is but a minor diversion from the more common legend, I see the inclusion of PONT as an important event in the life of Domitian. Domitian would add more titles as his reign continued.




4. Domitian AR Denarius (81 CE) (Group 4)
Obv: Laureate head left; IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG PM
Rev: Tripod with fillets, Dolphin above; TR P COS VII DES VIII PP
RIC 75 (R2) BMC Note p. 302 RSC 568d

This has been a great year for finding a few very rare coins of Domitian. This one is no exception. It so happens that I already own an example of this type. However, seeing as it is a very rare left-facing denarius for Domitian...I am fine with having 2. LOL. If you find other examples you should be aware that all known examples of this type share the same obverse die. While this is a very interesting portrait of Domitian I am not sure it is a flattering one.



3. Domitian, with Domitia (81-96).
AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm of uncertain mint (Struck in Rome for export and usage in Asia).
(10.5 g)
Obv: Laureate bust of Domitian right; IMP CAery ES DOMITIAN AVG PM COS VIII
Rev: Draped bust of Domitia right; DOMITIA AVGVSTA
RIC 845; RPC II 866; RSC 2.
Spink USA 370 - The Numismatic Collector's Series e-Auction Lot 18 July 14, 2021


Unfortunately, the cistophori from the first century CE have become very expensive. One can see the attraction because these pieces are substantial chunks of silver. One Cistophorus was equivalent to 3 denarii in terms of spending power. This is my second cistophorus for Domitian. I chased this coin because this is a double portrait coin. Domitian is on the obverse as he is Augustus, and his wife Domitia is on the reverse. This is my only coin featuring Domitia. The silver issues of Domitia are both rare and very expensive. That these are expensive is especially true for the last 2 years, though these have always been in demand. There is much competition for these coins, and so I consider myself lucky to have won this coin at auction.





2. EGYPT. Alexandria. Domitian, 81-96. Diobol
(25 mm, 7.42 g, 11 h),
Obv: RY 10 = 90/1. [ΑΥΤ] ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ [ϹЄΒ ΓЄΡΜ] Laureate head of Domitian to right, with aegis on his left shoulder.
Rev: L I Agathodaemon serpent riding horse to right.
Dattari (Savio) 563. Emmett 276.10. K&G 24.110. RPC II 2584A.
Extremely rare. Somewhat porous and with light deposits, otherwise, good fine.
From a European collection, formed before 2005.
Leu Numismatic Web auction 17 Lot 2103 Sunday August 15, 2021


Ever since TIF posted that great thread about “snake cowboys” I have wanted one of these. They are however very rare. I really like the reverses of the Alexandrian coins for the Flavian emperors. Who wouldn’t want a coin with a snake riding a horse? It is also a great coin because I collect coins of Domitian. If you want one of these be prepared to spend a fair bit of money. You might also have to wait a few years before one comes to the market. Oh…keep an eye out for @TIF if you are going to pursue a coin like this. She likes the snake cowboys. She has an absolutely wonderful example of this type. @TIF, please post your example here. I will never get tired of seeing that one.


1. Domitian AR Denarius 88 CE September 14-December 31(Third Issue)
(3.14g)
Obv: Head laureate left; IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM PM TR P VIII
Rev: COS XIIII across field; Column inscribed LVD SAEC FEC; All within laurel wreath
RIC 605 (R3)
Purchased from Dr. Busso Peus Nach April 16, 2021
Coin depicted in the Wildwinds.com database.


What can I say about this one. The snake cowboy would be #1 if not for this coin. First it is a non-Minerva denarius for Domitian. That by itself would be reason enough to buy it, but there are other interesting features. The reverse commemorates the Secular Games. There are a number of types of these. Some are easy to find, some are difficult, and some are nigh impossible. Also, left facing busts of Domitian are very rare and I have never heard a convincing argument as to why this should be. Titus and Vespasian have left facing denarii. Some are rare but some are very common. Also, left facing busts for Domitian occur regularly with the bronze issues. Why then are the left facing busts on Domitian’s denarii so rare? In this case I think I can safely call this coin extremely rare. It is one of 2 known. This coin happens to be the only example in a private collection.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Gotta love that SNAKE COWBOY!!!

 

Thanks. I do too!

 

Great coins from a specialist collector!.....I love the snake cowboy too!...But your number one, wow!...A very rare coin Orfew congrats!

 

I like your snake cowboy and Domitia, @Orfew.

 

Cowboy snake and Domitia are my favorite. They are all interesting though. Thanks for sharing

 

FANTASTIC top 5! I was drooling over your Cistophoric tet thinking how does he top this?? And then you drop a Snake Cowboy as your #2...aaand then you share a coin that is 1 of only 2 known and the only one in a private collection?!?!

 

Orfew, The Domitian Secular Games denarius is my "pick of the litter" ! Aside from being a great rarity the portrait is finely engraved .

 

Snake - e -o. What a cool coin and I do hope TIF posts hers as well.

 

Nice specialty Rare collection, Mr @Orfew ! Well done.

Of course, Snake Cowboys are always cool.

I am having fun with your FISH FRY on a Tripod!
4. "Rev: Tripod with fillets, Dolphin above;"

 

You really need to stop this. You are going to lose friends over that habit...

 

Thanks @Orfew - fun to see these coins with the eyes of a specialist. Congrats on your excellent year of rarities! "one of only two known" and the "only example in a private collection" is certainly a special find.

 

1. Thanks @Al Kowsky for the kind words. I agree with you. It is an excellent portrait.

 

Congrats, Orfew - the Secular Games denarius is certainly #1 in anyone's book!

Best wishes for more great coins in 2022.

ATB,
Aidan.

 

The left-facing Ludi Saeculares is excellent! Great portrait on it too. Of course, I also have a soft spot for the Snake Cowboy. Congrats on snagging that one.

 

Thanks my friend. Your kindness is appreciated.

 

A great selection of Domitian denarii! Congrats.

My favorite is #1 with the column

 

Nice coins Andrew. My favorite is also your favorite. The Secular Games denarius. Besides being rare it has the added benefit of having a very nice portrait.

 

Congrats on the rarities, Orfew! Must be difficult, being a speciality collector, when your to-find list starts to shrink along with opportunities. Looks like you pulled out some good ones though . Of course I love the snake cowboy . The Secular Games denarius is very special too.

As requested (this guy is getting a workout lately ):


EGYPT, Alexandria. Domitian. Regnal year 10, CE 90/91. Æ diobol (25mm, 10.86 g, 12h). AVT KAICAP ΔΟ ΜΙΤ CEB ΓΕΡΜ, laureate head right / Agathodaemon serpent, wearing the skhent crown (emblematic of upper and lower Egypt), on horseback galloping left; L I (date) below. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G 24.109; RPC II 2585; SNG Copenhagen 214; Emmett 277.10 (R5). https://www.cointalk.com/threads/so-these-exist-snake-cowboys.314032/

Ex Giovanni Maria Staffieri Collection. Ex West Coast/Lloyd Beauchaine Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 41, 19 March 1997), lot 1110; Classical Numismatic Review Vol. XVI, No. 1 (January 1991), lot 316; Numismatic Fine Arts Fall Mail Bid Sale (18 October 1990), lot 2365.

Appearances: Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 39 (this coin). Obverse illustrated in Emmett as the header for the Domitian section, p. 24 (this coin); fully illustrated in Emmett, p. 26 (this coin, discussing the unusual reverse).

 

My favorites: the snake cowboy (of course!), the silver Domitia, and the cippus commemorating the Secular Games. It reminds me a lot of this coin of Philip I issued for the Secular Games in 248 on the occasion of Rome's 1000th anniversary: