Rare Domitian Denarius

Orfew · Jan 29, 2018

Nemo said: ↑

Some great coins in this thread. I don’t actively collect Domitian but I couldn’t pass this one up.
View attachment 733357
Domitian. AD 81-96. AR Denarius, 20mm, 3.50g. Rome mint. Struck AD 85
O: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII; Laureate bust Domitian right with aegis
R: IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P; Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column with spear and shield; aegis draped over back with snakes around; owl to right.
- RIC 334

Minerva was clearly the favorite goddess and patroness of Domitian, evidenced here by his wearing of her aegis.
In the Thebaid, Minerva is represented as a terrifying battle goddess, entrusted with Jupiter's horrible aegis, that terrifies the Thebans. The popular perception of Domitian as cruel and capricious was entirely consistent with the wanton destructiveness of Minerva in the epic.
Click to expand...

Wonderful toning on a fabulous coin!

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

randygeki · Jan 30, 2018

Great looking coin. Congrats!

Eduard · Jan 30, 2018

Lovely coin, Andrew!
I do not have any Minerva types in my collection, but If and when I look for one
I want it to have the appeal of yours. Well chosen.

Here is one of my Domitian denarii which I also really like due to the style of the portrait:

IdesOfMarch01 · Jan 30, 2018

Orfew said: ↑

Hi all, I just ordered this rare Domitian denarius from CE 83. I loved the portrait on the obverse and the reverse Minerva imho is amazingly well preserved.

I want to thank David Atherton for double-checking the references for me so I could be sure what I was looking at.

Sorry for the small image. I am using the seller's pics until I can take my own.

Please feel free to post your own coins of Domitian. I would like to see them.

Domitianus (81 - 96 AD).
Denarius. 83 AD Rome.
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M. Head with laurel wreath on the right.
Rev: TR POT II COS VIIII OF THE XP P. Minerva with lance and shield on capital standing to the right, in front of it an owl.
20 mm 3.47 g
RIC 164 (R2); C.606; BMC 4

View attachment 733249

View attachment 733252 View attachment 733254
Click to expand...

A stellar coin, especially the reverse. Minerva's expression on the reverse is a bit scary -- don't view this coin just before bedtime!

Valentinian · Jan 30, 2018

Eduard said: ↑

Here is one of my Domitian denarii which I also really like due to the style of the portrait:
Click to expand...

I like it because of the historical reverse!

edgeCity · Jun 12, 2018

Finally got around to identifying this old coin (among others) that came down to me from my grandfather, and guess what . . . it appears to be a 'Domitian denarius'! Other than that, I don't know a thing about it. Could be a fake, for all I know. Anyway, here it is.
Comments welcome!

Log in or Sign up

Rare Domitian Denarius

Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

Guest User Guest

randygeki Coin Collector

Eduard Supporter**

IdesOfMarch01 Well-Known Member

Valentinian Well-Known Member

edgeCity New Member

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Rare Domitian Denarius

Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

Guest User Guest

randygeki Coin Collector

Eduard Supporter**

IdesOfMarch01 Well-Known Member

Valentinian Well-Known Member

edgeCity New Member

Share This Page

Useful Searches