Domitian AR Denarius 88 CE

Domitian AR denarius 88 CE

Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P VII; Laureate head right

Rev: IMP XV COS XIIII CENS P P P

RIC 592 (R2)

Purchased from Gary Miller Londinium Coins

While this coin looks like any other Domitian denarius with a Minerva reverse. However, this is a very rare coin. It is dated by the imperial acclamation on the reverse. In this case, it is IMP XV. There re only 4 denarius types with IMP XV and all of them are R2 (very few examples known). I have been looking for an example of IMP XV for 2 years!

The speculation is that IMP XV did not last long at ll and that it was followed very quickly by IMP XVI. This attribution perhaps only lasted for several days before moving on to IMP XVII. I do have an example of IMP XVI as well, another very rare coin. Why were these imperial acclamations happening so quickly? The speculations is that Domitian was fighting many battles at this time and he was awarded an acclamation for his victories.

This coin is remarkable for another reason. Take a close look at the portrait. It is quite easy to see the sideburns and beard. This is usually work off of the portraits.

I am very happy to add this one to my collection.