This first coin is a Minerva reverse Domitian from the rare Fifth Issue of 86 CE. This one is interesting because of the TR P VI on the obverse. I must admit I do not see a VI, I see a V. However, David has told me in his opinion it is TR P VI. What is the difference? TR P V should not exist for this coin because of the combination of IMP and COS numbers on the reverse. In the new RIC this coin, a Minerva type M4, and the Minerva type M2 are mentioned in a footnote that explains that there is one die for each of these types where the TR P VI is actually TR P V due to an engraver's error or because this obverse was used with a later reverse die. Either way I found this coin intriguing so I added it to my collection. Domitan AR Denarius 86 CE (Fifth Issue) 3.29 g Obv:Leaureate head r; IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P V(I) Rev: Minerva Stg. L with spear; IMP XIIII COS XII CENS P PP RIC 460 Ex: Aegean Numismatics March 25, 2019 This next coin was misattributed. The seller's attribution: Domitian, as Caesar (AD 69-81). AR denarius (3.04 gm). Rome, AD 73-75. CAES AVG F-DOMIT COS II, laureate head of Domitian right Domitian on horseback, rearing left, right hand raised adlocutio, scepter in left. RIC II 680 (Vespasian). The actual attribution: Domitian as Caesar AR Denarius 73 CE (3.04 gm). Rome Obv: Leaureate head r: CAES AVG F DOMITIAN COS II Rev: Domitian on horseback, rearing left, right hand raised adlocutio, scepter in left. RIC 539 [Vesp] The differences seem small but they make a difference in terms of collectability. The coin as attributed by the seller is a common coin. There are 2 differences in the obverse legend. First on the common coin the legend is anticlockwise while on the rare version it is clockwise. Also, on the common coin the legend reads CAES AVG F DOMIT COS II while on the rare coins it reads CAES AVG F DOMITIAN COS II. Therefore this coin is actually the rarer RIC V539 and not RIC V680 as stated in the listing. I would never had spotted this except for @David Atherton 's excellent post where he showed and described several types. There is actually a rarer type than mine. It is RIC V541. It has the reverse legend of RIC V680 but the directionality of RIC V539. I find the reverse type of this coin to be quite attractive. I also like the unusual portrait very much. This shall make a nice addition to my Domitian denarii collection.
Thanks Jay. Yes, it is a lot of fun. I am really enjoying the hunt for these. I am also learning quite a bit about Domitian's coinage as I hunt for these coins. A nice little side benefit.
Congrats on your latest Domitian additions! Regarding the TR P VI reading, I believe the 'I' is at the tip of the bust. Apparently the engraver ran out of room and crowded the numeral in. Notice how the numeral is at a different angle than the bust's tip. And here's a RIC 541. One of my best Domitian as Caesar denarii. Domitian as Caesar AR Denarius, 3.46g Rome mint, 73 AD (Vespasian) RIC 541 (R2). BMC 129 var. RSC 664. Obv: CAES AVG F DOMIT COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: No legend; Domitian on horse l.; r. hand raised, sceptre in l. Ex Gemini X, 13 January 2013, Harry N. Sneh Collection, lot 701. = Helios, ebay, 29 November 2010 (A. Lynn Collection). It actually took me longer to acquire a RIC 539!
I'm missing the rarer ones but have the common RIC 680 CAES AVG F DOMIT COS II Laureate head of Domitian right No legend Domitian on horseback prancing left, right hand raised, holding human-headed (helmet) sceptre in left Rome 73 AD 3.25g RIC 680 (C); Sear 2627 Ex-Forum
I finally got the equestrian Domitian today and I am thrilled! It is much better in hand than the photos indicated. I love it when that happens. Here is a new photo.
