DOMITIAN, A.D. 81-96. AV Aureus (7.57 gms), Rome Mint, A.D. 88. NGC EF, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5. RIC-603; Calico-825 (same dies). Saecular Games issue. Obverse: DOMITIANVS AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS, laureate head right; Reverse: Cippus with inscription in three lines: LVD / SAEC / FEC; COS - XIIII across field; all within wreath. A <strong>VERY RARE</strong> type relating to the Saecular Games (<em>festivities that were held every 110 years following the tradition enacted by Augustus</em>), this wholesome specimen presents an alluring degree of quality and beauty that is not often encountered in the coinage of Domitian, especially his gold emissions. Well centered and struck, with hints of brilliance emanating from the protected areas. From the Dr. Michael Rogers Collection, Part II.<p>Ex: Gemini VII (1/2011) Lot # 754 (where it sold for a hammer of $24,000).
