The so called ‘PONT’ denarii struck by Domitian during his first few months as emperor are highly prized by collectors. These coins have obverse legends without the usual pontifex maximus (P M) title, but instead have Domitian as only ponifex (PONT). Needless to say, they are quite rare! Here’s my latest addition from the series.
Domitian
AR Denarius, 3.36g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: P P COS VII DES VIII; Curule chair, wreath above
RIC 9 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex A. Short Collection. Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 141. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Chris Lezak, April 2002.
The rapidity in which Domitian’s first denarius issues of 81 came one after another suggests that he was in a great hurry to strike coins as Augustus after Titus’s death in mid September 81 AD, presumably for a legionary donative. Dio records that Domitian hastened to the praetorian camp to ‘receive the title and authority of the emperor’ and promised the soldiers the same bounty Titus had provided. The Rome mint immediately began striking coins for the new emperor. This extremely scarce denarius was struck before Domitian had been awarded the power of the tribunate (TR P) and was likely produced for just a few days. Very rare with this reverse legend. Missing from the BM and Paris collections.
Flavian Fanatic 