The New York Sale
Auction 42 9 Jan 2018
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Domitian. Silver Denarius (3.34 g), as Caesar, AD 69-81. Superb EF. Rome, under Vespasian, AD 76/7. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS, laureate head of bearded Domitian right. rev. COS IIII above, Pegasus standing right, pawing ground with foreleg. RIC 238; BMC 193-5; RSC 47. Well struck on a large flan and perfectly centered, all attractively toned. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $500
Ex Roma V (23 March 2013), 723.;
Ex Goldberg's Exceptional Roman Denarii Coll. #3138.
The image of Pegasus on this issue is normally shown standing right, pawing the ground with his foreleg. There is one rare die, however, which shows him rearing instead of pawing (see Edston Hoard 91, CHRB 10, pl. 17). There are many reasons why the horse's paw at the ground, and most equine behaviorists will say the animal is either nervous or irritated. However, when the head is held in a high position, it usually means that the animal is establishing dominance. Of course, the animal on this coin is not a horse but a pegasus; it seems the engraver was attempting to convey the same idea though.
Ex Roma V (23 March 2013), 723.;
Ex Goldberg's Exceptional Roman Denarii Coll. #3138.
The image of Pegasus on this issue is normally shown standing right, pawing the ground with his foreleg. There is one rare die, however, which shows him rearing instead of pawing (see Edston Hoard 91, CHRB 10, pl. 17). There are many reasons why the horse's paw at the ground, and most equine behaviorists will say the animal is either nervous or irritated. However, when the head is held in a high position, it usually means that the animal is establishing dominance. Of course, the animal on this coin is not a horse but a pegasus; it seems the engraver was attempting to convey the same idea though.