Gemini, LLC
Auction X 13 January 2013
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Domitian as Caesar. 70-81 AD. Denarius, 3.22g. (6h). Rome, 80 AD. Obv: CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII Head laureate right. Rx: PRINCEPS - IVVENTVTIS Salus standing right, leaning on column, legs crossed, holding snake and feeding it from patera. RIC 269 (R3). Excellent portrait. Nicely toned. Good VF.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection, purchased from Grotjohann, eBay, September 2009.
This coin is a mint mule. When Domitian's obverse legend changed from AVG F to DIVI F early in 80, his reverse types too were meant to change, Salus feeding snake, Vesta seated, and Clasped hands before a legionary eagle on prow being replaced by Altar, Helmet on throne, Minerva fighting, and Goat in wreath. However, a few of the old Salus feeding snake reverse dies survived and were erroneously coupled with a new DIVI F obverse die. RIC 269 knew only one official specimen of this mule, namely Lanz 54, 12 November 1990, lot 520. Our coin, apparently the second recorded, is from the same obverse die as the Lanz piece, but from a different reverse die. Glasgow 3, HCC p. 270, has the same types and legends, but is plated, so merely an ancient counterfeit.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection, purchased from Grotjohann, eBay, September 2009.
This coin is a mint mule. When Domitian's obverse legend changed from AVG F to DIVI F early in 80, his reverse types too were meant to change, Salus feeding snake, Vesta seated, and Clasped hands before a legionary eagle on prow being replaced by Altar, Helmet on throne, Minerva fighting, and Goat in wreath. However, a few of the old Salus feeding snake reverse dies survived and were erroneously coupled with a new DIVI F obverse die. RIC 269 knew only one official specimen of this mule, namely Lanz 54, 12 November 1990, lot 520. Our coin, apparently the second recorded, is from the same obverse die as the Lanz piece, but from a different reverse die. Glasgow 3, HCC p. 270, has the same types and legends, but is plated, so merely an ancient counterfeit.