Domitian. A.D. 81-96. AR denarius. 3.29 gm. 19 mm. Secular Games issue. Rome mint. Struck A.D. 88. His laureate head left; IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM P M TR P VIII / Herald advancing left, wearing feathered cap, holding wand and shield; COS XIIII LVD SAEC FEC. RIC II.1 598 (R2). RSC 77a. Very Fine; bold handsome portrait; well centered; attractive light toning with traces of iridescence.
Rare Secular Games issue, historically fascinating, and especially rare with head left.The Ludi Saeculares, or Secular Games, included religious ceremonies involving various sacrifices and theatrical performances, and were first celebrated early in Rome's history in response to a pestilence which afflicted the city. Domitian celebrated them in October A.D. 88. The reverse type is alluded to in a passage by Suetonius in which heralds are described as going around the city inviting people to a spectacle.