Domitian Denarius With Minerva — Certificate Of Authenticity

This silver denarius, struck at Rome under Domitian (imperial mint, AD 90, TR P VIIII), belongs to the celebrated Minerva-reverse series. Here, Minerva is shown standing left, armed (thunderbolt and spear), with a shield placed on the ground. The combination “extended titulature + warrior Minerva” is firmly attested in the major corpora, notably RIC II.2, 692, with cross-references BMCRE 168 and RSC 259.

Careful observation under ×10 magnification and raking light (from the photographs): the coin shows a hammer-struck issue on a silver flan whose edge is not perfectly regular, with a clear, sharp edge notch/chip visible on the perimeter, locally affecting the rim and the continuity of the legend in that sector. The surface shows a gray to dark-gray appearance (variation in tone/lighting across the images), with field micro-striations and fine contact marks consistent with ancient circulation and handling. The reliefs remain homogeneous and “logical”: the portrait retains strong volumes (profile, jawline, laurel wreath), and the reverse remains immediately legible in its attributes (Minerva, thunderbolt, spear, shield). Within the strict limits of visual examination from photographs, these elements are consistent with an ancient manufacture of this series.

The obverse presents the laurelled head of Domitian right, with a firm, characteristic portrait, the hair rendered in short locks. The laurel wreath remains perceptible in segments (leaves and ties), and the facial modeling stays well structured despite even wear on the highest points.

The circular legend reads according to the type, in sections depending on centering and the notched area:
IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIIII
This arrangement directly matches the stated dating (TR P VIIII).

The reverse repeats the emblematic iconographic scheme: Minerva standing left, holding the thunderbolt and the spear, with a shield resting on the ground near her feet. The silhouette, posture, and hierarchy of attributes remain clearly separated visually, making the scene immediately recognizable.

The surrounding titulature appears as expected for the series, readable in segments:
IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P
The whole “armed Minerva + titulature” matches the widely documented typological group, including reference specimens in public collections.

Authority: Domitian, emperor AD 81–96

Denomination: Denarius (AR)

Mint: Rome

Date: AD 90 (TR P VIIII; issue associated with IMP XXI / COS XV)

Metrology: 19 mm; 3.45 g (data provided)

Obverse: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIIII, laurelled head right

Reverse: IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva standing left, thunderbolt and spear, shield on the ground

References: RIC II.2, 692; BMCRE 168; RSC 259

Domitian reigned from AD 81 to 96, last of the Flavian emperors, in a policy where dense titulature on coinage played a major role in asserting authority. The mention GERM belongs to a discourse of prestige and victory. Domitian’s recurrent use of Minerva on denarii reflects a lasting ideological language: goddess of protection and armed wisdom, she becomes on coinage a figure of strength, stability, and sovereignty serving the imperial image.

For a collector, this denarius combines particularly appreciated qualities:

• a sharp, characteristic laurelled portrait, highly representative of Domitian;

• an emblematic reverse, immediately readable (Minerva + thunderbolt + spear + shield);

• a typology firmly framed by the major corpora, facilitating comparison, classification, and integration into a coherent Flavian series.

In accordance with our practices, each specimen is examined, described, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity consistent with the standards of the art and heritage market; the study is conducted with careful observation under ×10 magnification and raking light, and relies on technical criteria accessible through non-destructive examination (typological coherence, legend logic, engraving style, strike structure, surface and metal within the limits of observation).

Provenance is European, from a professional numismatic circuit; the acquisition derives from a specialized international transaction carried out within a recognized numismatic network and validated by reference experts, according to the standards expected for heritage objects.

France: Colissimo shipping, with signature and insurance (€20)
Abroad: UPS shipping, with signature and insurance (€35)
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