Domitian AR Denarius 82-83 CE

Domitian. Denarius. Rome 82-83 CE .

Obv: head laureate r; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM

Rev: Salvs std l with corn ears and poppy; SALVS AVGVST.

RIC-145 (R) BMC 54

Jesus Vico Mail bid auction # 153 Lot 3135 March 7, 2019

There are many who believe that the denarii of Domitian are boring. This is because the denarii of Domitian are dominated by the ubiquitous Minerva reverse. There are however denarii without the typical Minerva reverse. This is one of those. On the reverse you can see SALVS seated with corn ears and poppy. SALVS is a Roman goddess associated with safety and health. This applied to both the individual and the state in general.

Another interesting feature of this denarius is the portrait on the obverse. Although it looks rather flat in the photo, the portrait is in quite high relief. I also like that all of the devices on the coin are clear and that the legends are clear and readable.

In short, I think that this is a very attractive coin and that was enough for me to want to add it to my collection.