My latest arrival shows off the Rome mint's workman-like dedication to it's craft during times of increase production under Domitian. Domitian AR Denarius Rome mint, 89 AD RIC 685 (C2), BMC 158, RSC 257 Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: IMP XXI COS XIIII CENS P P P; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield (M1) Late in 89 Domitian was voted a double triumph over the Chatti and the Dacians. This common denarius struck between mid September and 31 December records Domitian's 21st imperial acclamation, the culmination of the two campaigns. This large issue was likely struck for a donative paid out to the troops. Not a notable coin style-wise nor extremely rare. Sometimes you just have to admire competent craftsmanship and find beauty in the ordinary.
Domitian has some super coins. This is no exception. What is the green shadow? It doesn't look like it's on the coin, but from a light source.
Nice portrait but really nice detail on Minerva. Look how her arm is gripping the shield. It is a beauty regardless of rarity or not.
nice V70! man, you keep laying down some sweet coins. that portrait is killer isn't it? looks like it's in pretty high relief as well.
Silver coin photos in particular can reflect lights that are different color than the main light. It once was a problem when many people used incandescent lights for shooting coins but worked near an open window resulting in blue light reflecting from edges on that side of the coin. Some fluorescent tubes are green so I suspect the photographer was working in a room with bright overheads but using daylight lamps to actually light the coin. Silver coins are little mirrors an will throw back anything they see. If you use daylight lights to shoot coins and a little window light leaks in, the color matches so you don't notice.
