Domitian AR Denarius 82 CE (First Issue)

Domitian AR Denarius Rome mint

82 CE (First Issue)

18.5 mm, 3.09 g

Obv:IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M, laureate head right

Rev: TR P COS VIII P P, winged thunderbolt on draped table

RIC 101; RSC 597; BMC 26.

Purchased from Ancient Coins Canada Numismall, March 2019

Yes, the coin is a bit rough, but it is a type one does not see everyday. This coin is from the first precious metal issue of 82 CE. This coin was struck in the early months of 82 CE before the coinage reform which would see the fineness of the denarii increase to near 100%. According to RIC "The denarii of the first issue of 82 use the same eight main reverse designs as the last issues of 81..."

I find the reverse interesting. There is a draped seat with a winged thunderbolt above it. The obverse portrait is okay but the obverse legend is poor. It is lucky that the reverse legend is readable so that an attribution could be made.

I added this one because it is an unusual type and because I liked the overall appearance.