Roman Empire, Domitian, 81-96, Aureus 73, Rome, very rare

Roman Empire. Domitian, 81-96. Aureus 73, Rome. Gold 7.24 g.; 20 mm.
Obverse: Head of Domitian, laureate, right. Obverse caption: CAES AVG F DOMIT COS II // Reverse: Domitian, togate, riding left, holding sceptre in left hand, and raising right

RIC: 540.

An exceptional example of an Aureus struck under the authority of Vespasian, representing his heir Domitian. Still with its mint lustre and a beautiful golden patina, the details are superbly preserved, the flan is superbly struck and well-centered.

There are several jewel-mounting marks, notably on the reverse at 5 o'clock, 7 o'clock and 9 o'clock, and more faintly at 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock on the observe. A slight flat is visible on Domitian's hair, but the details of the portrait remain remarkable. The flan is slightly bent. The coin has been previously cleaned, a patina has started to reappear around the legends, and hairlines are visible in the fields.

Very rare. Almost uncirculated AU 55-58