Domitian pegasus

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Orfew, Aug 2, 2018.

  1. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    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

    Domitian RIC 922.jpg
     
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  3. ancient coin hunter

    ancient coin hunter 3rd Century Usurper

  4. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    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?
    rb1430fd3355.jpg
     
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  5. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

  6. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    @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.

    DOM new.jpg
     
  7. Andres2

    Andres2 Well-Known Member

    Here's mine for a complete quadriga:

    P1160728pegasus2.jpg
     
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  8. Nemo

    Nemo Well-Known Member

    Great catch @Orfew.

    Here's mine:
    DomPeg RIC 922.jpg

    As well as the more common type:
    DomPegII.jpg
    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?
     
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  9. Multatuli

    Multatuli Homo numismaticus

    Hey! Now I need one too!:bored:
     
  10. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Thanks @Nemo

    I love both of your coins. I actually prefer the pegasus on the first coin. It has lots of character.
     
  11. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    And I prefer the detail in the second.
     
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  12. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    I am sure the coin will be right at home in your collection Andrew.
     
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  13. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    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.

    V872.jpg
    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.
     
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  14. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    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!
     
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  15. Jay GT4

    Jay GT4 Well-Known Member

    Here's mine. I really should take a new picture, I've removed the encrustations from the obverse.

    DomitianPegasus.jpg

    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
     
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  16. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins Supporter

    Watching 'Clash of the Titans', as we speak (Mark Hamil one).....

    I'll go stand in the corner.
     
  17. Nemo

    Nemo Well-Known Member

    Let's see some new pictures!
     
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  18. Jay GT4

    Jay GT4 Well-Known Member

    Ok, just stop yelling at me! :D I'll try and get to it this weekend.
     
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  19. Nemo

    Nemo Well-Known Member

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