Two denominations I was missing.......

......happened to be large bronzes, which I have an unbounded affection for, and which immediately caught my eye. Among others, a Dupondius of Domitian and an AS of Nerva; each was bid and/or counter-offered at what I think was a reasonable cost for the type and grade and I'm quite content to have acquired them---both have their 'issues' as you can readily see. The Dupondius has an attractive portrait and the legend reverse seems a bit scarce for this member of the Flavian family, but I'll let others, especially 'Vespasian' clarify that issue.

The As of Nerva has a decent portrait and a 'nice' but somewhat worn and rough reverse surface, but with that wonderful 'clasped hands' device. As most of us are aware, Nerva was a favorite of the Senate and seemed intent on restoring civil liberties curtailed during the despotic reign of Domitian. But he faced serious problems when he was unable to assert his authority over the army. In 97 AD the Praetorian Guard revolted forcing him to adopt a military man as his legal successor---the popular General Trajan. These coins illustrate the political propaganda of the period in which Nerva wished to present himself as an Emperor on good terms with both the Senate and the Army, symbolized by the clasped hands of friendship----and the legend itself.

Dupondius of Domitian; Rome mint, Struck AD 85; 12.6 grams, 27 mm; RIC 263
IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI
Radiate bust of Domitian right, with Aegis.
Fides standing left, holding plate of fruits in right hand and corn ears in left.
FIDE(I) PVBLICAE, with S C in field






AE AS of Nerva, struck 97 AD, Rome mint; 27 mm. 10.7 grams; RIC 81
IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TRP COS III
Laureate head right
CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM S C
Clasped hands holding legionary eagle/standard set on prow of galley behind

It seems this clasped hands/standard variant is a bit scarce and is more commonly seen on denarii.

Please post any coin(S) you believe may be relevant.

 

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I like both coins very much, but keep an eye on the Domitian - it has a few holes in the patina that could grow bronze disease. That being said, I have plenty of coins with patina breaks that have never given me problems, in years of ownership and proper storage (meaning dry).

 

Thanks JA... I will follow your suggestion. As always, great advice!!

 

Nice, especially that handsome, green Domitian bronze.

 

1+

 

Italy
Roman Empire
Claudius II Gothicus
AE Ant. 16 mm x 2.10 grams (s. AD 269)
Obverse: MP CLAVDIVS AVG, Radiate head right
Reverse FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing facing, head left, holding spear or sceptre in left hand and standard in right hand, epsilon in right field.
Note: Counter marked VII by Ostrogoths (AD 520-530), apparently unique.

 

I see a real possibility that the Nerva is also a dupondius with much wear erasing all but tiny tips of the crown. Mine is 11.0g.

 

i think its a Dupondius like Doug, i also see the radiate crown

 

I see it too now that Doug points it out.

 

Nice additions Mikey


DOMITIAN
AE Dupondius
OBVERSE: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CENS PER P P, radiate head right
REVERSE: S-C, Mars advancing left, holding Victory & trophy
Struck at Rome, 86 AD
11.6g, 27mm
RIC 482


NERVA
AR Denarius
OBVERSE: IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P, laureate head right
REVERSE: CONCORDIA EXCERCITVVM, clasped hands holding legionary eagle resting on prow
Struck at Rome 96 AD
2.9g, 18mm
RIC 3

 

Nice coins Bing. I have always liked the clasped hands denarii of Nerva.

 

Noob, I want to see this one in hand. When's the next show we'll both be at?

 

love that emerald green patina on the domitian, just in time for st. patricks day!

i missed an attempt at a nerva last weekend, and only have this domitian.

 

You may very well be correct.....Since I have yet to run across an example of an AS with the standards, but they seem readily available as a sestertius, dupondius, or a denarius and I believe I see the radiate tips too.

So I'll consider this a dupondius, despite the sellers attribution as an AS.

Thanks for the terrific posts guys!!!!

 

Awesome coins Mikey!

Your Domitian dupondius is new RIC 289, listed as 'common'. The reverse type is a fairly standard one for Domitian's bronze.

 

Usually we see each other in NY, but we can always schedule a private viewing. I would love for you to see this.

 

I'm pretty skeptical right now. But we'll see!

 

@vespasian70 Thanks for the further clarification and the kind words !!!

 

Nice job @Mikey Zee ! It is fun capturing the various denominations! I am still partial to getting the AR Sestertii and Quinarii...

 

Great OP-additions, Mikey-Z ... congrats



... sadly, I only have AR versions of those two fellas ...

Domitian - AR Denarius



Nerva -AR Didrachm