I have have been looking for one of these for a while. The last one I found was misattributed as RIC 921. RIC 922 has "Caes" in the obverse legend instead of "Caesar". Even though it was misattributed the buyer was a Flavian specialist and knew what is was so I did not win it. I so happens that a little while ago @David Atherton picked up his second example of this coin. You should check his FAC gallery, the coin is stunning. Last week David reached out to me after an exchange on Forum about the coin I missed, which included the person who bought the coin I missed. (Yes, ancient coin collecting is a small world.) Anyway, David made me a great offer, he was willing to sell me one of his 2 examples of this coin. My sincere thanks goes out to David for his willingness to reach out and offer me this rare coin. So here it is, my Domitian Pegasus. AR Denarius, 3.31g Rome mint, 76-77 AD (Vespasian) RIC 922 (R2). BMC - . RSC - . Obv: CAES AVG F DOMITIANVS; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: COS IIII; Pegasus, standing r. Ex: Koelner Munzkabinett 05/18 Ex: David Atherton Collection
I like it. Mine spells out Caesar and has more nose. The reverse date has the line over the IIII indicating a numeral. Is there an explanation for the style differences?
@dougsmit I do not have an explanation for the style difference. However, I wanted to tell you that I love the nose on your coin! So many Domitian denarii seem to have sanitized the portrait and given Domitian a rather severe nose job. Here is another Domitian with nose similar to the one on your coin.
Great catch @Orfew. Here's mine: As well as the more common type: Which is more prized, rarity or beauty? A while back I read an explanation of the different poses of Pegasus. All I remember is that I found it interesting at the time but I don't recall any details. I wonder if a horse expert could tell us?
Thanks @Nemo I love both of your coins. I actually prefer the pegasus on the first coin. It has lots of character.
I've noticed around this time period there was an engraver working at the mint who had a distinct style and produced these types of portraits. They all have a rather large hooked nose and exaggerated jutting chin. I've had a mind to collect his handiwork, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I do have one of his coins however. Titus as Caesar AR Denarius, 3.10g Rome Mint, 76 AD (Vespasian) RIC 872 (C). BMC 192. RSC 60. Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: COS V across field; Eagle head l. standing on thunderbolt, on Altar. Very uncommon with thunderbolt showing. Acquired from Incitatus Coins April 2008.
Ah, the eternal collecting question! I think rarity is prized and beauty appreciated. If you're asking which one of your Pegasus denarii I would choose, I'd save money and go for the rarity. Of course, the best scenario would be a beautiful rarity!
Here's mine. I really should take a new picture, I've removed the encrustations from the obverse. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS Laureate head right. COS IIII Pegasus advancing right 3.14g Rome 76-77 AD RIC 921 (Vespasian) (C2); BMC 193 (Vespasian); S 2637 From a very old collection