A couple of days ago I posted two recent Domitian PONT denarii I acquired. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/pontificating-about-pont-denarii.365395/#post-4775392 This one arrived today and a bit late to be posted along with the others. It's probably the most aesthetically pleasing of the bunch. Domitian AR Denarius, 3.13g Rome mint, 81 AD Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P; Curule chair, wreath above RIC 23 (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -. Acquired from eBay, July 2020. An extremely rare Domitian First issue group 3 PONT denarius. RIC lists the frequency as R3 (unique), but apparently this is the third known example (one is cited by RIC from the Sotin Hoard and another is in the Forvm member's galleries). Notably, the unusual reverse legend lacks the standard TR P (an omission?). This early denarius was struck before Domitian became Pontifex Maximus and the completion of the necessary religious rites. These First issue coins were struck with rapidly changing titular titles (as Domitian racked them up) and were likely intended for legionary donatives.
Wow David that is an awesome coin! Personally I will take these in any condition. One cannot be too choosy when coins are this rare. That portrait is excellent! Some of the portraits on the PONT denarii are not in fine style to say the least but this one certainly is.
Nice addition @David Atherton . Congratulations! The portrait is very nice, and I think the wear adds charm.
