Domitian AR Denarius 86 CE First Issue

Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 86. First Issue

3.38g, 20mm, 5h

Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V, laureate head right

Rev: IMP XI COS XII CENS P P P, Minerva advancing right, holding spear and shield.

RIC 425.BMC 88, RSC 194

Roma Numismatics E-Sale 57. Thursday 30th May 2019 Lot 861

Here is a lovely rare coin. the toning is beautiful and the portrait is excellent. Struck before September of 86 CE, most of the coins of this issue are very scarce to rare. I loved the look of this one and I did not have one so naturally I bought it.

Tracking down these rarities is a lot of fun and it forces one to become knowledgeable in terms of the relevant research books and references. It is almost as much fun to read about these coins as it is to possess them. I guess that is one aspect that really attracted me to collecting ancient coins; the opportunity to dive deep into the research concerning these coins.

i love this portrait and am trying to track down more coins from this issue. They are not easy to find, but that is part of the fun.