Domitian. AR Denarius. Rome. 85 AD. 3.48g, 19.6mm. 

IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TRP IIII, laureate head right with aegis. 
IMP VIIII COS XI CENSORIA POTESTAT PP, Minerva standing left, 
holding spear. 

RIC II 322 (R2). 
Ex. CNG.

Exceedingly rare, perhaps the third known specimen that 
shares dies with the other two known examples. Domitian’s 
Censorial title was added at this time, and began as CENSORIA 
POTESTAT as seen on this example before being shortened to CENS 
POTES. Coins with these titles are rare indicating the 
production may have been short-lived. It’s also a rare 
example of the portrait with an aegis.

Contributed by Lucas Harsh, July 2013.