Last week the postman delivered a long awaited coin to my PO box. Even when I was only collecting silver I had always wanted this type struck for Domitian exclusively in bronze. Domitian Æ As, 10.23g Rome mint, 84 AD RIC 221 (C2). BMC 288 Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS X; Head of Domitian, laureate, r. Rev: MONETA AVGVST; S C in field; Moneta stg. l., with scales and cornucopiae Acquired from Marti Classical Numismatics, September 2018. In 82 Domitian reformed the coinage by increasing the weight of the gold and fineness of the silver. Production of the bronze coinage was suspended while the mint was reorganised and resumed in 84 with new reverse types. Appropriately, one of the first types struck after the coinage reform on the bronze was Moneta, 'mint goddess of the emperor'. Mattingly believes Moneta in this context can be seen as symbolising Domitian's control of the mint and as paymaster to the empire. A fitting reverse design for an emperor who cared so much for his coinage. The Moneta type would be struck for the remainder of the reign. The reverse wasn't the only reason why I was attracted to the coin. In a recent thread (https://www.cointalk.com/threads/did-the-same-die-cutter-work-on-both-coins.324168/) the idea of fanboying certain engravers was brought up. I have always been a fan of the engraver who produced this denarius' portrait in 85. Domitian AR Denarius, 3.35g Rome mint, 85 AD RIC 266 (R2). BMC 74. RSC 361a. Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG GERMANIC; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: P M TR POT IIII IMP VIII COS XI P P; Minverva stg. l., with spear (M4) Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection, acquired from Barry Murphy. Ex Jyrki Muona Collection. Ex Berk 158, 26 March 2008, lot 240. I think the same hand engraved my new Moneta As and the above denarius. It would be an interesting thing indeed if the imperial mint shared engravers with the senatorial mint! Perhaps they weren't as separated as previously thought? Feel free to post any coins you feel are relevant.
Congrats on the score! It is a wonderful portrait. He looks slightly more dour on this one of mine. DOMITIAN AE As. 10.84g, 29.8mm. Rome mint, AD 85. RIC 421 (R2). O: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS PER P P, laureate head right with aegis. R: Victory flying left with shield inscribed SP/QR; S-C in fields.
Great new bronze, David! Here's a VIRTVTI AVGVSTI As that was just delivered today, though it is a bit porous...
You have already seen that one many times @David Atherton, but you asked... Domitianus, As - Rome mint, AD 85 IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI, Laureate bust of Domitian right wearing Aegis MONETA AVGVSTI, Moneta standing left, holding cornucopia and scales. SC in field 11.08 gr Ref : Cohen #325, RCV #2807v Q
I do like your new bronze, David. A serene, subdued portrait and nice patina. This is my example of the type - a very different portrait style:
When I heard that David Atherton was now in the Flavian game IN BRONZE (!) I quickly hit the BUY button on this one before he could snap it up. I had been looking at in the Aegean stock for quite some time. It's an upgrade of a coin that's currently in the CT "for sale" forum. Happy with the detail at the price point.
Domitian, Seleucis and Pieria, Antioch. The SC on the reverse I believe stands for Coele Syria, not Senatus Consulto. I like the left-facing, slightly upraised portrait.
Happily, my 'want list' is so large I can absorb the loss. Still, it's a rather lovely coin. Congrats!
