Lot 3523
Domitian, AD 81-96. Gold Aureus (7.16 g) minted at Rome as Caesar by Vespasian, AD 73. Laureate head right of Domitian. Reverse: Domitian on horse left; right hand raised, scepter in left hand. RIC (Vespasian) 540 [as Rare]; BMC 123; C. 663. Luster in obv. field; large diameter flan. Choice Very Fine or better.
The method of production of hammer-struck coins dictates one die be on the top, the other on the bottom. The normal manner in which this was accomplished was to have the obverse be the bottom die, creating a convexity to the flan. This coin demonstrates a concavity, or dishlike appearance, on the obverse, made by the obverse die being in the upper position. Thus, the two dies were interchanged for this particular coin pairing.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
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| Realized $7,475 |
