A superb portrait coin, this near EF denarius was issued under Emperor Domitian – second son of Vespasian and the last Flavian ruler.

Although beginning well, Domitian’s rule became a reign of terror, as he became paranoid about plots against his life and eradicated any perceived threat. His brutality ensured that this fear of assassination would become a reality, and he was murdered in 96AD. As with all ‘bad’ emperors, Domitian’s coinage was recycled in huge numbers, and highgrade examples are very scarce.