I stumbled upon this strikingly beautiful denarius a couple of weeks ago. Domitian as Caesar AR Denarius Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD RIC V1496 (R2), BMC V489, RSC 369 , RPC 1469 (2 spec.) Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. 'o' mint mark below neck Rev: PON MAX TR P COS IIII; Winged caduceus The small series struck under Vespasian this coin comes from is quite mysterious. The mint is not known for certain, although Ephesus is a prime suspect. K. Butcher and M. Ponting in The Metallurgy of Roman silver Coinage analysed the Ephesian and 'o' mint series and their data shows both issues are made from the same bullion. Not definitive proof the two series are from the same mint, but good evidence of a strong link. Unlike the Ephesian series, the 'o' issue is full of blundered legends and mules. This denarius struck for Domitian Caesar has a PON MAX reverse legend, an impossible title for the young prince. However, what the mint masters lacked in competency, the engravers made up for in their stylish portraits.
That's such a cool example @vespasian70 !!! Domitian seems to more resemble his father and brother on this coin than most of the others I've seen and appears to have been spending far too long at the 'banquets' LOL And I love the winged caduceus reverse!! All in all, a winner with wonderful eye-appeal!!
