Domitian AR Denarius 82 CE First Issue

Domitian AR Denarius 82 CE First Issue

Rome

3.13 g

Obv: Head Laureate right; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM

Rev: Minerva stg left with victory and spear, at feet shield; TR POT COS VIII

RIC 99 (R)

Purchased from Ebay August 2, 2019

Minerva reverses on Domitian denarii are not at all rare. in fact these reverses dominate the denarii of Domitian. However, before this occurred there were some interesting appearances of minerva on the early denarii for Domitian as Augustus. The above coin is one of these. Issued in 82 CE, this early denarius features Minerva holding victory. I personally think this version of Minerva is both interesting and attractive. I wish it had been carried on for other issues. I also feel the same about the COS XIIII and CENS P PP reverses from later in Domitian's reign.

While this coin is not really rare, it is a scarce coin. I am very happy to add this one to my collection. I am always keeping an eye out for interesting Minerva reverses on the denarii of Domitian, and I hope to add more of them.