Domitian AR Denarius, Rome, AD 90, Minerva on rostral column, RIC 690 M2

Domitian, denarius, silver, AD 81–96; Rome, AD 90; 3.35 g; 18.5 mm. Obv. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIIII; laureate head right. Rev. IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P; Minerva standing right on a rostral column, holding spear and round shield; owl right (Minerva type M2). Evenly struck on a compact flan; obverse well centered with complete legend; reverse slightly off-center with minor softness at the upper legend; sound metal. RIC II, Part 1 (2nd ed.) 690.

Struck for Domitian’s fifteenth consulship, the legends date the coin precisely to AD 90 (TR P VIIII, COS XV) and advertise his 21st imperatorial acclamation and lifetime censorship (CENS PERP) alongside pater patriae. The Minerva-on-rostral-column type belongs to the standardized Minerva series that dominated Domitian’s denarii and reflects his devotion to the goddess as patron of his regime. These issues were produced under the improved silver standard established early in his reign and follow the consolidation of power after the Danubian campaigns and the revolt of L. Antonius Saturninus.