Domitian, as Caesar (AD 81-96). AV aureus (18mm, 7.15 gm, 5h). NGC Choice XF 5/ 5- 4/5, Fine Style. Rome, AD 77-78. CAESAR AVG F-DOMITIANVS, laureate head of Domitian right / COS V, Parthian captive kneeling right, presenting Roman signa. RIC II.1 (Vespasian) 959. Calicó 819. Of the highest style of Flavian portraiture. From the Historical Scholar Collection. Ex Axis Mundi, private sale with old dealer tag; Dr. A. R. Globus Collection (Stack's, 01 December 1999), lot 22; Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 314 (30 October 1985), lot 393 This stunning gold aureus, struck while he was Caesar under Vespasian, sports a robust portrait in high Flavian style, whereas during his sole reign, he revised coin portraits to show himself in a slimmed-down, more flattering light. The reverse type is copied from the coinage of Augustus (RIC I 288). It reflects the dynasty's policy of promoting the cult of the first emperor and also subtly alludes to Vespasian's victories in the East.

HID09801242017

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