Just in time for Turkey Day, this little beauty arrived in my PO box. Domitian AR Quinarius, 1.54g Rome mint, 87 AD RIC 516 (C), BMC 109, RSC 220 Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: IMP XIIII COS XIII CENS P P P; Victory std. l., with wreath and palm This quinarius is listed as 'common' in RIC, although it is fairly scarce in trade. Compared to denarii, the output of quinarii was meagre during the Flavian era. Interestingly, the corresponding gold quinarius with these titles is unique. The Rome mint was certainly firing on all cylinders when this piece was struck in 87. The period between 83-88 saw the finest issues of Domitian's reign. I imagine striking silver coins with such small flans and still be able to produce a quality product would be quite difficult, but it appears the mint workers were up to the task. Any defects present on this coin are due to the ravages of time and not the fault of the Rome mint. Feel free to post any quinarii you may have!
Yes. As noted above, the gold quinarius of this type from the same issue is unique. It's very odd the gold is that rare when the silver version is considered 'common'.
Cool coin!!! I'm still stuck on a quinarius or two of the republican era but I have my eye on a few from the Imperial....but it'll have to wait until 2017
