Just bought this rare Domitian

So a little while ago I posted a rare Domitian in response to a thread. David saw the post and commented that there was another rare Domitian of the same type but with a slight variation. He also suggested that I might find interesting to have both.

Well I looked for this coin for the past week and finally stumbled across an example. It is now mine. I feel very lucky to have found this and it will make a great addition to my 12 Caesars set. It will also be nice to have the pair.

My sincere thanks to David for pointing out the existence of this variety.

Here is the coin I already had.



Domitian. AR denarius (18.15 mm, 3.36 g, 7 h). Rome mint, struck A.D. 81.

Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG, laureate head right

Rev: TR P COS VII, draped throne, back decorated with grain ears. RIC 3; BMCRE 2; RSC 554a.

Ex: William Rosenblum Coins Ex:Agora Auctions March 22, 2016 lot 52-174

Purchased from Agora Auctions March 22, 2016.

And here is the new acquisition.



Domitian (AD 81-96). AR denarius (3.02 gm). Rome, AD 81. Obv: Laureate head of Domitian right. Rev: Throne with triangular back decorated with corn ears. RIC 2. RSC 554a.

Now can anyone spot the difference?

 

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Several differences to the reverse, mainly the design of the back of the throne and what appears to be a dot beneath the drape. I also prefer the portrait of your second coin. This portrait style is from early in his reign I believe. Later he had a face-lift and straightened his nose.

 

@Bing
Nicely done. You have found some of the differences, but there is one left and it is also on the reverse. You are right about the portrait style, this coin was minted in the few few weeks of his reign as Augustus. He indeed had quite the nose job on subsequent coins.

I prefer the portraits on these coins for their honesty.

 

The bottom of the drapery is different as well.

 

True, but that is not the one I am looking for.

 

I see the difference! Nice coin, by the way!

 

The dots to each side?

 

Sorry, no.

 

Nice catch. I didn't know the variety existed until David pointed it out either. I have not actively looked for one but am learning to look for varietits in the Flavian coins thanks to you guys.

 

Yes, I see the difference as well, but I wont spoil it! Keep looking people!

 

Okay. All I see is the arm differences and the bottom right of the drape. Otherwise I will wait till someone else points it out.

 

I'm glad you encountered no impediments to buying this coin. Am I warm?

 

LOL
Yes you are close.

 

Well, I'll let the mystery go a little while longer then.

 

It would also be interesting to see if anyone can identify what it is (I know, but wont say!).

Keep having fun!

 

what's the do dad above the drapery on the back of the throne on the second? is that "it"?

 

Yes, Chris you got "it". Now, for extra points that are absolutely worthless, what is the name of that "doodad"?

 

I think the answer might be simple, but I often get it literally confused with something else.

OK, I'm going to quit trying to incorporate hints in my posts. Too taxing.

 

LOL

 

Wikipedia has an interesting article on it....OK. Me too. Gonna stop!