I stumbled across this just after it had been posted for sale. I did not think twice, I bought it on the spot. The reason is that this coin uses the rare "PONT" in the obverse legend. What is interesting about this is that this coin was struck very early in Domitian's reign as Augustus. In fact, it appears it was so early that he was not even "PONTIFEX MAXIMUS" yet. The coin also has an early obverse legend "IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT". Here is what RIC says about the PONT denarii. "It is also possible that Domitian after his accession used PONT until completion of the presumed religious necessities allowed him to use PONTIFEX MAXIMUS." This is my second PONT denarius for Domitian. I am always on the lookout for them. IF you were looking for one as well, keep in mind that you need to do your own research on these before buying. Many of these, like many Denarii for Domitian, are misattributed. I am very happy to add this rarity to my collection. There is one on OCRE but it is misattributed. It is not RIC 21. It has the incorrect obverse legend. There are none on Acsearch, and 2 are mentioned in RIC. One is in the collection of David Atherton. I have not found any other examples yet, but I will keep looking. Photo used with permission of seller. Domitian AR Denarius 81 CE September 13-December 31 Rome Obv: Laureate Head right: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT Rev: Curule chair, above wreath; COS VII DES VIII PP RIC 21, RSC 58, BMC 7* p. 299
Nice find @Orfew . Is the “PONT” legend rare on Domitian's or all Roman coins? I found it on my: VITELLIUS Roman Empire AR Denarius Vitellius 69 BCE Rome mint 18mm, 3g OBV: A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laureate head r REV: PONT MAXIM, Vesta, veiled, seated r on throne, holding patera and scepter REF: RIC I pg 273, #107
In the context of Flavian coinage it is rare on Domitian's denarii, otherwise it can be commonly found.
Thank you. I understand better. I do not specialize in Empire coinage. However, when I searched my coin database, my Vitellius was the only “PONT”. However, I saw several Vitellius Pont listed. I appreciate the clarity. I also appreciate @Orfew ’s find much better.
