When collecting Domitian denarii, some issues are more highly prized than others. Recently I was able to obtain a denarius from one Domitian's most elusive issues. Domitian AR Denarius, 3.38g Rome mint, 86 AD RIC 450 (R2), BMC - , RSC - Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: IMP XIII COS XII CENS P P P; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield (M1) Acquired from Numismeo, September 2017. In 86 Domitian was awarded imperial acclamations at an accelerated pace due to the Dacian War, which resulted in some fairly rare denarius issues. This coin is from the extremely rare fourth issue of 86, probably struck for just a few days or so until word of the next imperial acclamation reached the mint. The Minerva fighting (M1) and Minerva on rostral column (M2) are the only two denarius types known for the issue. The coins are so rare that Mattingly even doubted the issues existence (BMCRE p. 320 note).
To be honest, I'm not quite sure what the patina is. It appears to be some kind of yellowish-orange resin, more amber-like in the lower right. The coin came with an old ticket, so presumably it sat in someone's trays 'heads up' for sometime.
What a fantastic coin. I really love the obverse, and the rarity makes an already wonderful coin even better. Sadly I only have the more common issue from the year 87 CE. However, she does have really beautiful dark toning. Domitian AR Denarius 19mm. 3.10g. Rome Mint 87 A.D. Laureate head, r. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VII Minerva advancing r., brandishing javelin and holding shield on prow of ship, eagle at feet. IMP XIIII COS XIII CENS P P P RIC II 92; RSC II 218
Nothing 'common' about the portrait! That issue really had some top-notch engravers. BTW, it is new RIC 518.
Great looking coin. Interesting on the obverse. What it glued to something as part of a display? Seems I remember something about people putting a resin coat on coins (does that ring a bell to anyone?). But why would it just be on one side if that's the case?
No, it isn't horn silver. For all intents and purposes it looks more like some sort of resin. Here is a larger photo. Click Looking at the coin with my 10x loupe, the 'resin' looks like it is just on the surface and is clear, darker where it is thicker. Whatever it is, the piece certainly has an unusual appearance!
OK, phew! I figured you would have ruled that out, but the downside was bad enough that I thought I should mention the possibility. I think I'd be of two minds about removing it. It does give the coin a unique look, but on the other hand it doesn't look so great under magnification.
