Domitian AR Denarius 81 CE (Group 3)

Domitian AR Denarius 81 CE (Group 3)

(19 mm., 3.12 g.)

Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM; Head laureate right

Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P ; Seat draped, above winged thunderbolt

RIC 36, RSC 62, BMC 9

Savoca 29th Blue Auction February 23, 2020. Lot 1237

There are a number of group 3 denarii that are quite rare. While group 2 denarii are very rare, group 3 denarii are almost as rare. I have been looking for first year denarii for a couple of years. I have made an effort to find the rare issues from 81 CE. When they appear on the market they can be subject to determined competition.

I was very happy to add this one to my collection. While it is not a PONT denarius, the reverse legend makes it rare. Notice that TR P is not included. No one has given a convincing argument as to why TR P is missing from this issue.

These coins are a bit mysterious in terms of the order of issues from 81 CE. RIC notes that the order in RIC is for convenience and may not be the last word on this. Personally I still think there is work to be done concerning the first year issues and the chronological order of these legends.