This page is
dedicated to the study of Celtic, barbarian, local and other unofficial silver
imitation issues of Roman denarii and antoniniani spanning approximately four
centuries - ca. 150 BC to ca. 250 AD.
All coins displayed
on this page, to the best of my knowledge, are struck on solid silver (even
though often debased)!
“Type” is defined
here as any pair of unique dies. Wherever possible I have indicated if one
particular die was used in striking more that one type (i.e. it was paired with
more than one die).
I want to express
special thanks to Doug Smith for ongoing discussion especially on the Severan
era imitations series!
Total number of types illustrated on this site:
Imperatorial - 2
Imperial - 241
#1
Obverse: laureate head of Apollo
right
Reverse: Bull charging right,
blundered legend underneath trying to spell “L THORIVS / BALBVS”
Weight: 3.78g
Comments: the reverse
imitates a Thorius Balbus silver denarius originally minted in 105 B.C.;
however, the reverse clearly features a head Apollo instead of the Juno as is
on the prototype. Unlike the charging bull scene on reverse laureate head of
Apollo appears on a number of Republican types and is harder to pin down to a
specific prototype.
#2
Obverse: helmeted head of Roma right
Reverse: unknown deity (Jupiter?) in
triga right
Weight: 4.74g!
Comments: imitation
(most likely Celtic) of a “generic”
#3
Obverse: wreathed head of young
Bacchus right
Reverse: Pegasus springing right
(and down!) from a tablet inscribed with garbled legend attempting to spell “Q
TITI”
Weight: 3.81g
Comments: see #26 and
#27 below for similar types. Imitation of a denarius originally struck by Q.
Titius (Titia 2, Cr341/2, Syd 692) in 90 B.C.
Remarkable rendition of the reverse!
#4
Obverse: laureate head of Apollo Vejovis (?) right, garbled inscription on both sides
Reverse: unknown deity in quadriga
right, garbled inscription below
Weight: 3.42g
Comments: discerning
the prototype is hard but this rendition of Apollo with long vertical locks
appears on several coins dating 90-70 B.C.
#5
Obverse: laureate head of Apollo right
Reverse: unknown deity in quadriga
(four horses with three heads!) right, partially blundered legend below
Weight: 3.88g
#6
Obverse: diademed head of Venus
right, “S.C” inscription attempted behind head
Reverse: grain ear, fasces and
caduceus
Weight: 2.54g
Comments: imitation of
a denarius by C. Norbanus originally struck in 83 B.C., also see #41 below
#7
Obverse: veiled (?) head right
Reverse: horseman galloping left
Weight: 3.32g
#8
Obverse: helmeted head of Roma right
Reverse: unknown deity (Victory?) in
triga right, “W” above and below the horses, garbled legend
in exergue
Weight: 2.99g
#9
Obverse: helmeted head of Roma right
Reverse: unknown deity (Victory?) in
quadriga right
Weight: 3.61g
Comments: imitation
(most likely Celtic) of a “generic” Roman Republican denarius
Picture courtesy of
Barry P. Murphy
#10
Obverse: diademed head of Venus
right
Reverse: globe between rudder,
scepter and wreath, inscription resembling “RAVISC”
Weight: 3.31g
Comments: reverse resembling denarius of Cn. Lentulus (Cornelia 54, Syd 752, Cr393/1a) struck in 75 B.C. References - Gohl, NZ 35 (1903), S. 154, 19. Dessewffy 506 var. BMC 267 var. Dembski 1571 var., ex Lanz 120, lot 21
Picture
from CoinArchives
#11
Obverse: crude head right
Reverse: globe between rudder,
scepter and wreath, inscription resembling “RAVISC”
Weight: 3.24g
Comments: reverse
similar to #10 i.e. denarius of Cn. Lentulus struck in 75 B.C. References -
Gohl, NZ 35 (1903), S. 154, 19. Dessewffy 506 var. BMC 267 var. Dembski 1571
var., ex AG 29, lot 124
Picture
from CoinArchives
#12
Obverse: stylized diademed head of
Apollo right, pseudoinscription “III LLLLL” to left
Reverse: stylized Minerva (?) with
spear riding in quadriga to left, pseudoinscription below “VVVV”
Weight: 4.79 g
Comments: attributed
to the Pannonian Celts of the Hungarian group.
References CR. 342/4 (denarius of C Vibius Pansa).
LT -. Dessewffy -. BMC -. Dembski -. Slg. Lanz -, Ex
Lanz 120, lot 23
Picture
from CoinArchives
#13
Obverse: stylized laureate head of Apollo
right, “K” behind head, zigzag line and “X” in front
Reverse: horseman galloping left,
“…XX…” in exergue
Weight: 4.42g!
Comments: both
obverse and reverse style is very similar to #7 above and can be considered
product of the same workshop. The reverse die may even be the same but because
of the double strike it is impossible to be sure. Listed as
Celtic imitation of Hungarian origin. References -
similar to CR. 340/1 (denarius of L Calpurnius Piso). LT
-. Dessewffy - (see Pl. XXXI, 765). BMC -. Dembski - (see 1584). Slg.
Lanz -, ex Lanz 117, lot 62
Picture
from CoinArchives
#14
Obverse: listed as laureate head of
Apollo right but it looks to me more like a wreathed head of Bacchus, ”X” in right field
Reverse: unknown deity holding
scepter (Minerva?) riding in quadriga (?) left
Weight: 4.34g!
Comments: listed as
Celtic imitation of Hungarian origin. References - similar to
CR 342/4b (denarius of C. Vibius Pansa). LT -. Dessewffy -. BMC -. Dembski -. Slg. Lanz -, ex Lanz 117, lot 63
Picture
from CoinArchives
#15
Obverse: stylized diademed head
right (Venus?, Apollo?), pseudoinscription “IVLVL”
in left field, “X” in right
Reverse: unknown stylized deity
(Victory?) riding in triga right, pseudoinscription “VLWCIL” in exergue
Weight: 3.08g
Comments: attributed
to the Pannonian Celts and listed as of Hungarian origin. References
- similar to CR. 382/1 (C. Naevius Balbus). LT -.
Dessewffy - (see Pl. XXXI, 763). BMC
-. Dembski -. Slg. Lanz -., ex Lanz 117, lot 65
Picture
from CoinArchives
#16
Obverse: male head with short curly
hair right, pseudoinscription zigzag lines in felt and right field
Reverse: highly stylize biga to
left, garbled inscription in exergue
Weight: 3.32g
Comments: attributed
to the Pannonian Celts and listed as of Hungarian origin.,
ex Lanz 112, lot 10
Picture
from CoinArchives
#17
Obverse: stylized laureate male head
right, scepter (?) behind
Reverse: unknown deity (Victory?)
holding wreath and riding in quadriga right
Weight: 3.29gg
Comments: attributed
to the Pannonian Celts and listed as of Hungarian origin.,
ex Lanz 112, 12
Picture
from CoinArchives
#18
Obverse: helmeted head of Roma
right, pseudoinscription “LLLLL” in left field and “X” in right
Reverse: unknown deity (Victory?)
holding palm branch and riding galloping quadriga right, pseudoinscription “LLLLL”
below horses and garbled pseudoinscription in exergue
Weight: 3.63g
Comments: attributed
to the Pannonian Celts and listed as of Hungarian origin.,
ex Lanz 112, 13
Picture
from CoinArchives
#19
Obverse: stylized head of Juno
Sospita right, “E” below chin, branch behind her head
Reverse: stylized female figure
dressed in long robe left, strange almost mystical objects in left and right
field, garbled legend in exergue
Weight: 2.81g
Comments: attributed
to the Eraviscii Celts. See #20, #37 and #38 below for similar examples. References - Gohl 43. LT 10083. BMC
S 247., ex Lanz 109, lot 27
Picture
from CoinArchives
#20
Obverse: stylized head of Juno
Sospita right, “E” below chin, branch behind her head
Reverse: stylized female figure
dressed in long robe left, strange almost mystical objects in left and right
field, garbled legend in exergue
Weight: 3.06g
Comments: attributed to the Eraviscii Celts. See #19 above and, #37 and #38 below for similar examples. References - Gohl 46. LT 10083. BMC S 247., ex Lanz 109, lot 28
Picture
from CoinArchives
#21
Obverse: listed as laureate head of
Apollo right but it looks to me like wreathed head of Bacchus, “A” and priestly
implement (lituus) in left field and “*” below chin
Reverse: fight between a horseman
wielding sword charging left and a falling horseman holding sword and shield
and charging right, “X” in right field, pseudoinscription in exergue
Weight: 3.44g
Comments: attributed
to the Pannonian Celts and listed as of Hungarian origin. Reference - Crawford
370/1 (Denar des C. Servilius)., ex Lanz 109, lot 29
Picture
from CoinArchives
#22
Obverse: stylized helmeted head of Roma
right
Reverse: she-wolf left, garbled
inscription above and in exergue
Weight: 3.75g
Comments: attributed
to the Pannonian Celts and listed as of Hungarian origin. Reference - CR. 388/1
(denarius of P. Satrienus)., ex Lanz 109, lot 30
Picture
from CoinArchives
#23
Obverse: female head (Pietas or
Venus) with oak wreath, earring and pearl necklace right, garbled inscription
“CEIIS” behind
Reverse: club of Hercules upright
covered in lion skin, garbled, partially retrograde inscription around
Weight: 2.81g
Comments: attributed
to the Pannonian Celts and listed as of Hungarian origin. Reference – for the
obverse see Crawford 452/2 and 4-5 (denarius of C. Julius Caesar), also
Crawford 444/1 (denarius of Q. Sicinius and C. Coponius).,
ex Lanz 109, lot 31
Picture
from CoinArchives
#24
Obverse: listed as laureate male
(Apollo) head right but, it looks like a fusion between a head of Venus (the
hair style and pearl necklace) and Bacchus (vine wreath), behind the head
retrograde “S”
Reverse: two horses (biga?)
galloping right, pseudoinscription in exergue
Weight: 3.45g
Comments: serrated
flan. Attributed to the Pannonian Celts and listed as of Hungarian origin., ex Lanz 109, lot 32
Picture
from CoinArchives
#25
Obverse: laureate bearded male head
right (Jupiter?), “S.C” behind
Reverse: Victory in quadriga right,
holding long palm branch and wreath, “X” below horses and “Q ANTO BAB/PR” in
exergue
Weight: 3.62g
Comments: serrated
flan. Attributed to the Pannonian Celts and listed as of Hungarian origin.,
References – see denarius of Q. Antonius Balbus., Dessewffy, Pl. XXXI, 756., ex
Lanz 106, lot 10
Picture
from CoinArchives
#26
Obverse: wreathed head of Bacchus
right
Reverse: Pegasus springing right
from a tablet inscribed “Q TITI”
Weight: 3.45g
Comments: see #3
above and #27 below for similar types. Imitation of a denarius originally
struck by Q. Titius (Titia 2, Cr341/2, Syd 692) in 90
B.C., ex Lanz 102, lot 19
Picture
from CoinArchives
#27
Obverse: wreathed head of Bacchus
right
Reverse: Pegasus springing right
from a tablet inscribed “Q …”
Weight: 3.48g
Comments: see #3 and
#26 above for similar types. Imitation of a denarius originally struck by Q.
Titius (Titia 2, Cr341/2, Syd 692) in 90 B.C., ex Lanz
102, lot 20
Picture
from CoinArchives
#28
Obverse: laureate head of Apollo
right
Reverse: horseman holding long palm
branch galloping right, inscription “L GISO/CI” below
Weight: 3.73g
Comments: the
prototype is a denarius of C. Calpurnius Piso Frugi. References - Dessewffy,
Pl. XXXI, 765., also see Dembski 1584., ex Lanz 102,
21
Picture
from CoinArchives
#29
Obverse: diademed head of Venus
wearing pearl necklace right, pseudoinscription behind
Reverse: two clasping hands,
caduceus in between, blundered and partially retrograde inscription below
Weight: 3.20g
Comments: the
prototype is likely a denarius of Albinus Bruti originally minted in 48
B.C. (Postumia 10, Cr. 450/2, Syd 942.).
The original has a head of Pietas instead., ex Lanz
102, lot 23
Picture
from CoinArchives
#30
Obverse: helmeted head of Roma right
Reverse: unknown deity (Victory?) in
galloping biga right, “VLLH...LV” pseudoinscription in
exergue
Weight: 3.24g
Comments: imitation
(most likely Celtic) of a “generic” Roman Republican denarius.,
ex Lanz 97, lot 28
Picture
from CoinArchives
#31
Obverse: laureate and bearded male
head right (Jupiter?), inscription “S.C” behind
Reverse: the satyr, Marsyas,
standing left with wineskin over shoulder; behind him, column, “L CENSOI” in
left field
Weight: 3.77g
Comments: the
prototype for the reverse is a denarius of L. Marcius Censorinus originally
minted in 82 B.C (Marcia 24, Syd 737, Cr363/1d.). The original
has a head of Apollo on obverse., ex Lanz 97, lot 29
Picture
from CoinArchives
#32
Obverse: female head right
Reverse: winged caduceus, garbled
legend attempting to imitate “M PLAETORI CEST EX SC”
Weight: 3.51g
Comments: the
prototype is a denarius of M. Plaetorius Mf Cestianus (Plaetoria 6, Cr405/3b)
originally minted in 57 B.C., ex Lanz 97, lot 30
Picture
from CoinArchives
#33a
Obverse: diademed head of Venus
right
Reverse: griffin flying right,
inscription “RAVSCI” below
Weight: 3.46g
Comments: attributed
to the Eraviscii Celts. The obverse is taken from a Roman Republican denarius
of C. Naevius Balbus (Crawford 382), the reverse one of L. Papius (Crawford
384). Circa 65-50 BC. References - CCCBM I 273; De la Tour
10078. BMC 273. Freeman 14/I = pl. 29, 19. Wien
1542., ex CNG 64, lot 11
Picture
from CoinArchives
#33b
Obverse: diademed head of Venus
right
Reverse: griffin flying right,
inscription “RAVSCI” below
Weight: 3.32g
Comments: attributed
to the Eraviscii Celts. The obverse is taken from a Roman Republican denarius
of C. Naevius Balbus (Crawford 382), the reverse one of L. Papius (Crawford
384). Circa 65-50 BC. References - CCCBM I 273; De la Tour
10078. BMC 273. Freeman 14/I = pl. 29, 19. Wien
1542., ex CNG 64, lot 11
Picture
from CoinArchives
#34
Obverse: diademed head of Venus
right
Reverse: Victory in triga right;
“CXXXIII” inscribed above
Weight: 3.68g
Comments: attributed
the Celts of the
Picture
from CoinArchives
#35
Obverse: laureate and bearded male
head right (Jupiter?)
Reverse: unknown deity riding in
triga, garbled inscription in exerue
Weight: 3.18g
Comments: attributed
to the Eraviscii Celts., ex Gorny 118, 1041
Picture
from CoinArchives
#36
Obverse: stylize helmeted head of
Roma right
Reverse: horseman or biga galloping
right (quite wild!), “O” below horse
Weight: 3.82g
Comments: attributed
to the Eraviscii Celts., ex Gorny 118, 1042
Picture
from CoinArchives
#37
Obverse: stylized head of Juno
Sospita right, “E” below chin, branch behind her head
Reverse: Stylized female figure
dressed in long robe left, strange almost mystical objects in left and right
field, garbled legend in exergue
Weight: 3.36g
Comments: attributed
to the Eraviscii Celts. See #19 and #20 above and #38 below for similar examples.
References - Gohl 43. See #19 and #20 above for
similar examples., ex Gorny 107, lot 30
Picture
from CoinArchives
#38
Obverse: stylized head of Juno
Sospita right, “E” below chin, branch behind her head
Reverse: stylized female figure
dressed in long robe left, strange almost mystical objects in left and right
field, garbled legend in exergue
Weight: g
Comments: attributed
to the Eraviscii Celts. See #19, #20 and #37 above for similar examples. References - Gohl 43. Imitation of a denarius of L. Roscius
Fabatus minted in 59 B.C., the actual reverse shows girl standing right feeding
serpent before, symbol to left (Roscia 3, Syd 915, Cr. 412/1). See #19, #20 and
#37 above for similar examples., ex AG 86, lot 734
Picture
from CoinArchives
#39
Obverse: head of Venus right,
retrograde “S” and “.C” behind
Reverse: Curile chair, attempt to inscribe ”CRASSIPES” in exergue
Weight: 3.62g
Comments: attributed
as a Dacian imitation of Republican denarius. The obverse is taken from a Roman
Republican denarius of C. Naevius Balbus (Crawford 382). The obverse imitates
denarius of P Furius Crassipes Denarius (Furia 20, Syd 735; Cr356/1) minted in
83 B.C., ex AG 86, lot 736
Picture
from CoinArchives
#40 Formerly
in the Tony Hardy Collection
Obverse: helmeted head of Roma left,
retrograde inscription “FLAC” behind
Reverse: Victory holding wreath in
galloping biga right, “L.RVTILI” in exergue
Weight: 3.71g
Comments: attributed
as an imitation of Republican denarius of L. Rutilius Flaccus (Rutilia #1,
Cr387/1, Syd 780) originally minted in 77 B.C., ex CNG 61, lot 1402
Picture
from CoinArchives
#41
Obverse: Diademed Venus right,
blundered CIXLI C NOBO”N”VS inscription around
Reverse: grain ear, fasces and
caduceus
Weight: ?
Comments: imitation
of a denarius by C. Norbanus originally struck in 83 B.C., for a similar coin
see #6 above
Picture and part of the
description from FORVM ANCIENT
COINS
#42
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo
right, lyre behind, blundered pseudo-inscription around
Reverse: Diana standing facing, with
bow and quiver over shoulder, holding lighted torch in each hand, blundered
pseudo-inscription on each side and in exergue
Weight: ?
Comments: imitation,
presumably Dacian, of a denarius of P. Clodius Turrinus, Cr-494/23, Claudia 15,
Syd 1117, S-492. The prototype dates from 42 BC, so this imitation was struck
some time after that. This is significantly later than the norm for this sort
of imitation. The piece is noteworthy not only for its marvelous obverse style
and excellent preservation, but also for the long obverse legend. This legend
is apparently meaningless, but the prototype has no obverse inscription at all.
The reverse legend is garbled but recognizable, although it also
"improves" on the original by continuing the legend in the exergue. I
know of only a few parallels to this creation of a legend out of whole cloth,
as it were. Mostly, Dacian and other imitators of RR denarii copied features
actually present on the prototype, however much they sometimes diverged from
the original.
Picture and description
(comments by Phil Davis)
are from FORVM ANCIENT COINS
#43
Obverse: Diademed Venus right, “S.C”
behind head
Reverse: Victory (?) driving a triga
right, “C.N…” in exergue
Weight: 3.82g
Comments: imitation of
a denarius by C. Naevius Balbus originally struck in 79 B.C. (Naevia 6,
Crawford 382/1; Syd 769). This imitation follows the original very closely but
notice the crude style combined with stylistic errors like the absence of wings
on what should be Victory, or the misaligned spokes of the chariot’s wheel.
Also, the serration on the edge is unusually clumsy. For a similar example see
#44 below.
#44
Obverse: Diademed Venus right,
“visible undertype of Victory standing left”
Reverse: Victory (?) driving a triga
right, “visible undertype of head of Apollo right”
Weight: 3.69g
Comments: imitation
of a denarius by C. Naevius Balbus originally struck in 79 B.C. (Naevia 6,
Crawford 382/1; Syd 769). The original seller, “oldromancoins”, listed it
simply as overstuck Republican denarius with the description – “overstruck,
with attributable undertype, areas of weakness. The
clear undertype is from c. 92 BC. The overstrike is not serrate.” However, even
casual inspection reveals that the style is unofficial (“barbaric”). Very
interesting coin! Unfortunately the undertype is not so visible to me. For a
similar example see #43 above.
Obverse
and reverse
picture from WildWinds
#45
Obverse: helmeted head of Roma
right, garbled pseudoinscription to left
Reverse: Biga galloping left – 5 (!)
front and 8 (!) hind legs, unknown deity in chariot, garbled pseudoinscription
in exergue
Weight: 3.91g
Comments: Remarkable
Celtic imitation of the Balkan types!
#46
Obverse: Head of Juno Sospita right,
wearing goatskin, symbol behind
Reverse: Gryphon prancing right,
(sun?) symbol below, garbled inscription in exergue (L PAPI in the original)
Weight:
Comments: imitation
of a serrated denarius by L. Papius originally struck in 79 B.C. (Papia 1, Syd
773, Cr384/1, S-311).
#47
Obverse: Head of Venus right,
garbled “S.C” to left and interesting waves and dots apparently attempting to
imitate an inscription
Reverse: Triga galloping right – 4
(!) front and 4 (!) hind legs, unknown deity in chariot, garbled
pseudoinscription in exergue
Weight: 4.97!!!
Comments: Balkan
imitation (south of
#48
Obverse: Diademed female deity right
in good style, pseudoinscription (?) all around
Reverse: Biga galloping right,
unknown deity holding branch (?) in chariot, unidentified object in front of
horses – remarkably stylized composition!
Weight: 3.38g
Comments: Balkan
imitation (south of
#49
Obverse: Diademed male deity right
(Apollo?)
Reverse: Qadriga galloping right,
unknown deity in chariot, nonsensical inscription in exergue
Weight: 4.30g!
Comments: Balkan
imitation (south of
#50
Obverse: Head of Roma right, “Mc”
behind, “X” below chin
Reverse: Unknown deity holding scepter
in slow quadriga right, attempted “ROMA” inscription in exergue
Weight: ?
Comments: Balkan
imitation (south of
Picture courtesy of Ancient Treasures
#51
Obverse: Diademed head of Apollo (?)
right
Reverse: Unknown deity, arms spread
wide, in triga right, “rain” in field
Weight: 3.55g
Comments: Balkan
imitation of a republican denarius.
Picture courtesy of
flaviamaximafausta
#52
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma
right, garbled letters behind, “X” below chin
Reverse: Unknown deity (Victory)
holding palm branch and riding biga right, garbled pseudo-inscription in
exergue
Weight: 3.38g
Comments: Balkan
imitation of a republican denarius.
Picture courtesy of flaviamaximafausta
#53
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma
right, garbled pseudo-inscription around
Reverse: Horseman riding right, holding spear (?),garbled
pseudo-inscription in exergue
Weight: 3.86g
Comments: Balkan
imitation (south of
Roman Imperatorial
Julius Caesar
#1
Obverse: diademed head of Venus
right
Reverse: Aeneas walking left, carrying
Anchises and the Palladium, inscription attempting to spell “CAESAR”
Weight: 3.56g
Comments: attributed
to the Pannonian Celts and listed as of Hungarian origin. Prototype – RSC 12,
Cr458/1, Syd 1013., ex Lanz 102, lot 22
Picture
from CoinArchives
Cassius
#1
Obverse: CCLSSIWL …..T, diademed head of
Libertas right
Reverse:
..ENTIVLVS ..N..T, jug and lituus
Weight: 3.60g
Comments: Remarkable
Balkan imitation of a Cassius denarius who together with Brutus lead the
abortive attempt the restore the republic. The coin is particularly interesting
because the Balkans was where Cassius and Brutus were stationed after the
assassination of Caesar and before their own demise at the battle of
Roman Imperial
Augustus
#1
Weight: 3.41g
#2
Weight: 2.64g
#3
Obverse: bare head of Augustus
right, blundered inscription “LVCLV - DILI F” with the “C” inverted
Reverse: Male (barbarian) with
Vexillum to the right kneeling, blundered inscription “LCLLIVS
… DLIGV
… III
Weight: 3.95g
Comments: likely
prototype - RIC 416, RSC 383, BMC 127., ex Lanz 109,
lot 69
Picture
from CoinArchives
#4
Obverse: laureate head right,
blundered inscription
Reverse: Gaius and Lucius Caesar
with shields and spears, blundered inscription around and in exergue
Weight: 2.98g
Comments: likely
prototype – RIC 210., ex Gorny 118, lot 1043
Picture
from CoinArchives
#5
Obverse: head of Augustus with
oak-wreath right
Reverse: Round shield inscribed
“CEV” between two laurel trees, “CAESAIO” above Q R/AVGVSTVS below
Weight: amazing 6.82g!!!
Comments: listed as
an Indian imitation. Likely
prototype - RIC I 36a, BMCRE 354, RSC 51. ex
CNG, 60, 1483
Picture
from CoinArchives
#6
Obverse: CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F
PATER PATRAE, laureate head right
Reverse: AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC
IVVENT, CL CAESARES in exergue, Gaius and Lucius Caesar with shields and spears
Weight: 3.43g
Comments: legends are
spelled OK but the portrait style betrays an unofficial look. Likely prototype
– RIC 210
Picture: obverse
and reverse
from Windwinds
Tiberius
#1
Obverse: laureate lead right, “TI
CAESAR DIVI F AVGVS[TVS]” inscription around
Reverse: Gaius and Lucius Caesar
with shields and spears, in field above, a simpulum & lituus, traces of
inscription
Weight: 2.69g
Comments: imitation
mule copying obverse of Tiberius and Reverse of Augustus. prototypes
– obverse Tiberius RIC 26-30, reverse Augustus RIC 210., ex Lanz 112, lot 33
Picture
from CoinArchives
#2
Obverse: garbled inscription
attempting to spell “TI CAESAR DIVI F AVGVSTVS”, laureate lead right
Reverse: PONTIK (Sic!) MLXIM,
Livia seated right holding tree branch and scepter
Weight: 3.63g
Comments: The type is
the most common of all first century AD denarii: the 'Tribute Penny' of
Tiberius. This coin comes from a group found in
Picture and description
courtesy of Doug Smith
Claudius
#1
Obverse: laureated head left, “…CGVL
DILG ORLSLS CERMA…” inscription around
Reverse: crossed shields and spears,
Vexillum behind, “…ML –
Weight: 3.01g
Comments: imitation
of a coin by Claudius for Nero Claudius Drusus. Likely prototype RIC 74., ex Lanz 117, lot 78
Picture
from CoinArchives
Nero
#1
Obverse: [...]SAR - LVCVSTVS, laureate head right
Reverse: ROMA in exergue, Roma
seated left, holding Victory and parazonium (although I don’t see it), resting arm on a pile of arms
Weight: 2.71g
Comments: Likely
prototype RIC 55, RSC 258, BMC 83,
S-1944., ex Lanz 109, lot 72
Picture
from CoinArchives
Vespasian
#1
Obverse: IMP CLES VES[...] P M COS IIII, laureate head right
Reverse: VE – TL,
across in field, Vesta standing left, holding simpulum and scepter
Weight: 3.17g
Comments: Likely
prototype RIC 50, RSC 574, BMC 71, S-2316., ex Lanz 97, lot 60 and 112, lot 34
Picture from
CoinArchives
#2
Obverse: badly blundered inscription, laureate head right
Reverse: badly blundered inscription
around a winged caduceus
Weight: ?
Comments: Crude
barbaric style similar to #3 below.
Picture and description
courtesy Silenos
Coins
#3
Obverse: IMP [CA]ESAR VESPASIAV-S LVC, laureate head right
Reverse: PON MLV…R
P COS …, winged
caduceus
Weight: 2.45
Comments: Crude
barbaric style similar to #2 above. Apparently found in
Domitian
#1
Obverse: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM
TRP VII, laureate head right
Reverse: IMP XXI COS XV CENS PPP,
Minerva standing left holding long vertical scepter
Weight: 2.61g
Comments: Dark adhesions, but no breaks in the silver. Prototype: BMC reverse of 168, plate 65.2, p.333 "AD 90" but normal obverse legend ends TRP VIIII, not VII, which is from 88. ex CNG 61
Picture and description
courtesy of Warren
Esty
#2
Obverse: IMP CAES DOMITIA-N AVG GERM
V, laureate head right
Reverse: IMP XV COS XIIII CENS...,
Minerva fighting right on prow, tiny owl at feet right
Weight: 3.28g
Comments: BMC -- for
this obverse legend. Year TRP XV COS XIIII is the "second issue" of
AD 88, page 326, but not with this obverse legend. ex CNG 61
Picture and description
courtesy of Warren
Esty
#3a
Obverse: ...DOMIT AVG - GERM PM TRP
IIII, laureate head right, slight drapery over left shoulder
Reverse: TRP....CENS PPP, Minerva
fighting right on prow, tiny owl at feet right
Weight: 3.20g
Comments: The
"prow" of the reverse is more than just the prow, really the whole
ship. This is clearer on this imitation than it is on most official pieces. The
obverse legend ending in TRP IIII is from AD 85. It is not usual for the
reverse to also mention TRP.
Unfortunately, the reverse date is off the flan. ex
CNG 61
Picture and description
courtesy of Warren
Esty
#3b
Obverse: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M
TR P IIII, laureate head right, slight drapery over left shoulder
Reverse: TR POT III CENS P P P,
Minerva standing left holding long vertical scepter
Weight: 3.13g
Comments: The obverse
of this coin is a technically correct copy of the April 85 A.D. denarii, save
for the odd style. The lettering style is exceptionally good. But the reverse
is wrong. It displays again a TR P date, and in addition from the previous year
(84 A.D.) while the second part consisting in CENS P P P is a form only used
from late 85 onwards. This coin shares its dies with a coin from the Warren
Esty collection (#3a above).
Picture and most of the
description from FORVM ANCIENT COINS
Nerva
#1
Obverse: IMP NERVA CAES AVG ???NOT COS II, laureate head right
Reverse: LIBERTAS PVBLICA, Libertas
standing, holding cap and staff
Weight: 2.45g
Comments: Very
interesting and quite rare imitation of a Nerva denarius. The style is all wrong
and the obverse inscription is clearly blundered. On the likely prototype, RIC
19/RSC 113, the obverse inscription reads “IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III
P P”
Trajan
#1
Weight: 2.50g
#2
Obverse: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM
TRP, laureate head right, drapery
over left shoulder
Reverse: PM TRP COS IIII PP, Victory
standing right on prow, holding wreath
Weight: 3.05g
Comments: Somewhat irregular lettering. Portrait with pointed nose and puffy cheeks and jaw. No break in the silver. Reference: Hybrid. BMC reverse of 102 (page 44, plate 11.1) "AD 101-2" but obverse of group V (107-111), see plate 14. ex CNG 61
Picture and description
courtesy of Warren
Esty
#3
Obverse: IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG
GERM, laureate head right, drapery over left shoulder
Reverse: COS V PP SPQR OPTIMO PRINC
(usually ends PRINCIPI), Aequitas standing left with scales and cornucopia
Weight: 3.05g
Comments: Reference: reverse of BMC 285, page 71, plate 14.6 of AD 107-111, with obverse of 98-102. ex CNG 61
Picture and description
courtesy of Warren
Esty
#4
Obverse: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM
TRP, laureate head right, drapery over left shoulder
Reverse: SPQR OPTIMO PRNCIPI
[PRINCIPI misspelled], female deity (Felicitas?) left, holding caduceus in
right and cornucopia in left hand, lighted altar at feet
Weight: 3.03g
Comments: Wonderful
bold style, quite unlike official style. Outstanding preservation! No sign of
copper, but at
Picture and description
courtesy of Warren
Esty
Hadrian
#1
Obverse: HADIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate
head right
Reverse: too worn to read
inscription but perhaps “COS III”, Concordia (?) standing, head to left,
holding patera (?) and cornucopia
Comments: could be confused for a
very worn official issue but closer inspection shows clearly barbarized reverse
Weight: 2.72g
#2
Obverse: HADIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate
draped (and cuirassed?) bust right
Reverse: CLEMENTIA AVG COS [III P
P], Clementia standing left holding patera and scepter
Comments: very crude style, clearly
barbaric
Weight: 2.72g
#3a
Obverse: unreadable inscription,
laureate cuirassed bust right
Reverse: unreadable inscription,
Fortuna seated left, holding rudder and cornucopia
Comments: clearly unofficial style
Weight: 2.82g
#3b
Obverse: unreadable inscription,
laureate cuirassed bust right
Reverse: unreadable inscription,
Fortuna seated left, holding rudder and cornucopia
Comments: clearly unofficial style
Weight: 2.58g
#4
Obverse: [HA]DRIANVS
- C COS III P P, laureate head right
Reverse: “L V O L - O T L“ pseudo inscription, Pietas standing left, holding perfume box
and sprinkling incense over altar
Weight: 2.88g
Comments: Likely
prototype RIC 258., ex Lanz 109, lot 73
Picture
from CoinArchives
#5
Obverse: HADRIAN [. . ] – AVGVSTVS, laureate head right, slight drapery over his
left shoulder
Reverse:
Weight: 2.88g
Comments: Likely
prototype RIC 176., ex Lanz 97, lot 62
Picture
from CoinArchives
#6
Obverse: HLDRIANVS - AVC. COS III P P,
laureate head right
Reverse: P M TR P [... ] OC, Felicitas
and Hadrian standing facing each other, clasping hands
Weight: 2.50g
Comments: Likely
prototype RIC 237, RSC 628, BMC 613, S-3488., ex Lanz 97, lot 61
Picture
from CoinArchives
#7
Obverse: IMP CAE …
Reverse: … P COS III, Victory
advancing right, holding wreath and palm branch
Weight: 1.6g
Comments: This coin
was sold on eBay in June 2004 and was incorrectly described as quinarius
(perhaps due to the low weight) but is clearly unofficial and underweight
denarius of Hadrian. The style is off although still rather attractive. There
is a small chance that it is a modern forgery and if you know this for a fact
please let me know.
#8
Obverse: …IAN HADRIANVS AVG,
laureate draped (and cuirassed?) bust left!
Reverse: P M TR P …., PRO-AV[G] across field, Providentia standing, head to right,
holding wand in one hand and scepter (?) in another
Weight: 2.81g
Comments: Fascinating
imitation denarius with the head to left.
Picture courtesy of
flaviamaximafausta
Antoninus Pius
#1
Weight: 2.15g
#2
Weight: 2.67g
#3
Weight: 2.72g
#4
Weight: 2.28g
#5
Weight: 2.24g
#6
Weight: 2.79g
#7
Weight: 2.84g
#8
Weight: 2.18g
#9
Weight: 2.36g
#10
Obverse: ANTONINVS AV - C PIVS PP TR
[sic], laureate head right
Reverse: C - OS - IIII, Salus standing left, holding patera feeding snake,
and rudder on globe in right
Weight: 3,19g
Comments: Sear
--. BMC 622 variety, plate 13.9 (obv. legend ends "TRP XI") AD
147/8, BMC 670, plate 14.10 is "TRP XII", page 96, AD 148/9. Unusual style. I have seen one in similar style attributed
to the north
Picture and description
courtesy of Warren
Esty
#11
Obverse: DIVVS LNTONINVS,
bare head right
Reverse: DIVO PIO, square altar with double doors
Weight: 3.28g
Comments: Likely
prototype RIC 441 [Aurelius], RSC 357, BMC 71, S-5196., ex Lanz 114, lot 22
Picture
from CoinArchives
#12
Obverse: LNTONINVS - LVC
PIVS P P, laureate head right
Reverse: COS IIII, Concordia standing left, holding patera and scepter
Weight: 2.59g
Comments: Likely
prototype RIC 129, RSC 226, BMC 521, S-4070., ex Lanz 112, lot 36
Picture
from CoinArchives
#13
Obverse: LNTONINVS AVC - PIVS P P
TMP, laureate head right
Reverse: MONITL LVC - COS IIII, Moneta standing left holding scales and
scepter
Weight: 3.07g
Comments: Likely
prototype RIC 76., ex Lanz 97, lot 63
Picture
from CoinArchives
#14
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PI-VS P P TR
P COS III, laureate head right
Reverse: AVCVI-TS-TSAVC, Ceres (?) standing,
head to left, holding grain ears and scepter
Weight: 3.31g
Comments: Interesting
hybrid combining obverse of Antoninus Pius and reverse appropriate for his wife
Faustina Sr. It is also worth contrasting the correct
obverse spelling with the badly blundered reverse legend.
Picture courtesy of www.Mynthandeln.com
#15
Obverse: … AVC PI-VS P P TR …,
laureate head right
Reverse: COS IIII, Aequitas standing
left, holding scales ears and cornucopia (?)
Weight: ?
Comments: Interesting
hybrid combining obverse of Antoninus Pius and reverse appropriate for his wife
Faustina Sr. It is also worth contrasting the correct
obverse spelling with the badly blundered reverse legend.
Picture courtesy of www.Mynthandeln.com
#16
Obverse: DIVVS ANTONINVS, bare head
right
Reverse: CONSECRATIO, eagle standing
right on altar, head turned left
Weight: 1.89g
Comments: seemingly
“normal” consecration denarius of Antoninus Pius by Macrus Aurelius but closer
inspection reveals major abnormalities. The over all style is off but because
of the heavy wear this could not be considered decisive. The most obvious
stylistic anomaly is the absurdly large and oddly depicted altar on reverse.
The real clincher is the inscription on obverse. Though the spelling is correct
all obverse legend for this type have broken legend – i.e. “DIVVS – ANTONINVS”.
Notice the reciprocal symmetry with #17 below. In addition the coin weighs
considerably less than the standard and is struck on somewhat debased silver. Prototype - RIC 431 [Aurelius], RSC 155.
#17
Obverse: DIVVS ANTONINVS, bare head
right
Reverse: CONSECRATIO, four tiered
funeral pyre surmounted by quadriga
Weight: 2.27g
Comments: seemingly
“normal” consecration denarius of Antoninus Pius by Macrus Aurelius but closer
inspection reveals major abnormalities. The over all style is off – notice the
style of the eye of Antoninus Pius. Other stylistic abnormalities can be seen
on the reverse. On the original the lower tier is decorated with garlands; as is
also the case here, but the garlands always extend over the ends of the
structure. In addition the top tier on this coins is shown as a dome which not
the case on the original. The real clincher is the inscription on obverse.
Though the spelling is correct all obverse legend for this type have unbroken
legend – i.e. “DIVVSANTONINVS” not “DIVVS – ANTONINVS”. Notice the reciprocal
symmetry with #16 above. Also notice the uneven letter size on obverse with the
first few almost two times the size of the last few. Prototype - RIC
436[Aurelius], RSC 164
#18
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP (or
something similar), laureate head right
Reverse: … COS IIII, Female
deity (Providentia?) standing left, holding globe (?)
Weight: 2.54g
Comments: Unofficial
barbarized style.
Picture courtesy of
camelioncoins
#19
Obverse: …ONIINVS AV…IVC P P GPD
XXII, laureate head right
Reverse: CCIICITLPI
LVC
COS IIII, Female deity (Providentia?) standing left, holding globe AND
CORNUCOPIA
Weight: 3.07g
Comments: Unofficial
barbarized style and badly blundered legend
#20
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P,
laureate head right
Reverse: TR …. flail,
jug, lituus & ladle: sacrificial tools
Weight: 2.68g
Comments: Unofficial
barbaric style. Struck on somewhat debased silver.
#21
Obverse: MCONIVVSA….PPILPCOIP,
laureate head right
Reverse: …INIVS POP PLMLNI,
Genius standing left with sceptre and cornucopia
Weight: 2.72g
Comments: Impressive
workmanship on this otherwise clearly barbaric issue. Likely
prototype – RIC 70, RSC 405, S-4085. The obverse inscription on the
prototype is - “ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TRP COS III”, and the reverse – “GENIVS
POP ROMANI”.
Picture courtesy of
camelioncoins
Faustina Sr.
#1
Weight: 2.25g
#2
Weight: 2.76g
#3
Obverse: DIVL FLV – STINL,
draped bust right
Reverse: PIETLS
– LVC,
temple with six colunms
Weight: 3.56g
Comments: Likely
prototype RIC 396, RSC 253, BMC 319, S-4599., ex Lanz 97, lot 66
Picture
from CoinArchives
#4
Obverse: DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust
right
Reverse: AVGVSTA, Ceres standing
left, holding grain ears
Weight: 2.21g
Comments: Likely
prototype RIC 359., ex Gonry 118, lot 1045
Picture
from CoinArchives
#5
Obverse: DIVL FLA-VSTINL,
laureate head right
Reverse: LVCV-STL, Ceres (?) standing, head to
left, holding grain ears and scepter
Weight: ?
Comments: Interesting
hybrid combining obverse of Antoninus Pius and reverse appropriate for his wife
Faustina Sr. It is also worth contrasting the correct
obverse spelling with the badly blundered reverse legend.
Picture courtesy of www.Mynthandeln.com
Lucius Verus
#1
Obverse: L VIRVS AVG ARM[ENIA]CVS, laureate head right
Reverse: TR P V IMP
II COS II, Virtus (or Roma) left, holding palladium and trophy
Weight: 3.28g
Comments: Clearly
unofficial style imitating RIC 536, RSC 269 denarius from
Picture courtesy of
camelioncoins
#2
Obverse: [LVCIVS VE?…], bare head right
Reverse: [C]O[S]
IIII, Annona standing, head to left, holding grain ears over modius and rudder.
Weight: 1.76g
Comments: Apparently a mule with a reverse of Antoninus Pius. Fairly crude barbaric style makes not doubt that the coin is not official (some similarity to Marcus Aurelius #1 below)
Picture courtesy of
camelioncoins
#3
Obverse: L VERVS AVG CMINIACV,
laureate head right
Reverse:
Weight: 2.65g
Comments: Blundered legend
and crude style give away this unofficial coin.
Marcus Aurelius
#1
Weight: 2.55g
#2
Obverse: LNTONINVS LVC
– LRMENILCVS,
laureate head right
Reverse: DIVO – PIO, Divus Antoninus
Pius seated left, holding tree brunch and scepter
Weight: 2.81g
Comments: Imitation
mule combining obverse of Marcus Aurelius and deification reverse of Antoninus
Pius (also by Marcus Aurelius), prototype for the reverse - RIC 442 [Aurelius],
RSC 352, BMC 65, S-5194., ex Lanz 120, lot 35
Picture
from CoinArchives
#3
Obverse: H AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG P II
F, bare head right
Reverse: TR POT III COS II, CLEM in
exergue, Clementia standing front with patera, holding out skirt
Weight: 2.93g
Comments: Likely
prototype - RIC 448b[Antoninus Pius]., ex Gorny 118,
lot 1046
Picture
from CoinArchives
#4
Obverse: AVRELIVS CAE-SAR AVG R II
G, bare head right
Reverse: [AV]GV-STA,
Ceres standing left, holding grain ears and scepter
Weight: 3.29g
Comments: Imitation
mule combining obverse of Marcus Aurelius and reverse Faustina Sr. – RIC 60., ex Gorny 115, lot 1032
Picture
from CoinArchives
#5
Obverse: [M ANT]ONINVS
AVG TR P XXIII, laureate head right
Reverse: LIBERAL
AVG V COS III. Liberalitas standing left holding abacus and cornucopia
Weight: 2.00g
Comments: Fairly
faithful to the original but the style (and weight) are clearly unofficial.
Prototype - RIC 206, RSC 412, BMC 492, S-4914
#6
Obverse: M ANTONINVS AVC (CRNTL?),
laureate head right
Reverse: LIBERAL
AVG V COS III. Genius standing, head to left, holding patera and grain ears
Weight: 2.82g
Comments: Clearly
barbarous style. Apparently found in
Also see Commodus #2
below
Faustina Jr.
#1
Weight: 2.22g
#2
Weight: 2.17g
#3
Weight: 2.33g
#4
Obverse: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped
bust right
Reverse: FECVNDITAS, Fecunditas
standing right, holding cornucopia and scepter
Weight: 3.29g
courtesy of cameleoncoins
#5
Obverse:
IIVIIIVAAVGANTONIIIIAVGIIIIII pseudoinscription, draped bust right
Reverse: CON-CORDIII, Concordia
seated left holding flower, resting arm on cornucopia on globe below throne
Weight: 3.10g
Comments: Likely
prototype – RIC 502a, RSC 54, BMC 1086, S-4704
Commodus
#1
Obverse: M COMMODVS ANTONINVS I,
laureate head right
Reverse: SCC ORP PNI TR XIIII COS V
DF, Securitas seated left, holding a globe
Weight: ?
Comments: Obviously
barbaric, this coin is interesting for how closely it mimics the coin it
copied. The original type showed Securitas holding a globe and bore the legend
SEC ORB. The rest of the reverse legend was exactly the same as the MIN VIC
coin above also dating to the end of 189. The cutter must have read no Latin
but made some close guesses like PNI for PM (Pontifex Maximus). On both sides
he ran out of space and stopped the legend in the middle of a letter. The
weight and metal quality are excellent. This coin was probably produced for
trade far from
Picture and description courtesy
of Doug Smith
#2
Obverse: unreadable garbled
inscription, laureate head right
Reverse: unreadable garbled
inscription, Aequitas (?) walking left, holding scales and cornucopia (?)
Weight: ?
Comments: heavily barbarized
style, so much so, that it is not even clear if this is an imitation of
Commodus or of his father Marcus Aurelius.
Picture courtesy of Anciet Coins Canada
#3
Obverse: IMP …AVR (?) COMMODVS , laureate head right
Reverse: IMIII COS LVIII TR POTES SVD,
Virtus (?) left, holding inverted spear and
Weight: ?
Comments: heavily
barbarized style, yet the spelling is almost OK. Amazing imitation!
Picture courtesy of Robert
Kokotailo (Calgary Coin)
#4
Obverse: L AVREL COMMODVS AVG,
laureate head right
Reverse: TR P IIII IMP III COS II P
P, uncertain deity seated left, holding a branch
Weight: 2.0g
Comments: A crude
barbaric issue imitating an official denarius struck in 179 AD
Picture, sold on eBay July,
2004
#5
Obverse: … COMMODVS AV, laureate
head right
Reverse: R P IIII IM VIII COS II P
[P], uncertain deity (Pax?) seated left, holding branch and cornucopia
Weight: 2.07g
Comments: A crude
barbaric issue imitating an official denarius struck in 179 AD. Some similarity to #4 above but much cruder style.
Crispina
#1
Obverse: CRISPINL L…STL,
laureate head right
Reverse: …V…O, Salus standing, head
to left, holding scepter and feeding a snake uncoiling from an altar.
Weight: 2.38g
Comments: Clearly
barbaric and not matching any Rome issue of Crispina for the reverse which is
likely borrowed either from a type of A. Pius of Faustina.
Septimius Severus
#1
Weight: 2.15g
#2
Weight: 3.22g
#3
Weight: 2.32g
#4
Weight: 3.10g
#5 Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: [L SEPT
SEV AVG IMP] XI PART MAX, laureate head
right
Reverse: attempted inscription VICT
PARTHICAE but several letters clearly blundered, Victory walking left,
holding wreath in right hand, trophy over left shoulder; captive left
Weight: 3.90!
Prototype – RIC 514 properly struck in Laodicea ad Mare
, another 
picture courtesy
of Barry P. Murphy
#6
Weight: 2.60g
#7
Weight: 2.67g
#8 Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: SEVERVS AVG PART MAX,
laureate head right
Reverse: FORTVNAE FELICI, Fortuna
seated left, holding cornucopia and rudder, small child at her feet
Weight: 3.16g
, another 
picture courtesy
of Barry P. Murphy
#9
Weight: 2.80g
#10
Weight: 3.19g
#11
Weight: 1.91g
#12
Weight: 2.95g
#13
Weight: 2.06g
#14 Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: barely legible SEVERVS PIVS
AVG, laureate head right
Reverse: PONTIF
Weight: 2.61g
, another 
picture courtesy
of Barry P. Murphy
#15 Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: [L SEPT]
SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX, laureate head
right
Reverse: [VICT] PART[HICAE],
Victory walking left, holding wreath in right hand, trophy over
left shoulder; captive left
Weight: 2.69g
Comments: General
type similar to #5 but clearly by different “school”.
, another 
picture courtesy
of Barry P. Murphy
#16 Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: blundered legend, laureate
head right
Reverse: blundered legend, Virtus
standing left, holding Victory and spear
Weight: 2.86g
, another 
picture courtesy
of Barry P. Murphy
#17
Weight: 3.10g
#18
Weight: 2.78g
#19a
Obverse: PART MAX, laureate head
right
Reverse: PONTI [FEX TR P II], Emperor
(Caracalla?) standing left, holding spear and globe, captive at his feet
Weight: 3.41g
Comments: imitative
hybrid combining a reverse of Caracalla and obverse of S. Severus.
#19b
Obverse: [L SEPT SEV AVG]... [PART]
MAX, laureate head right
Reverse: PONTI FEX TR P II, Emperor
(Caracalla?) standing left, holding spear and globe, captive at his feet
Weight: 2.14g
Comments: imitative
hybrid combining reverse of Caracalla and obverse of S. Severus.
#19c
Obverse: L SEPT SEV AVG … [PART
MAX], laureate head right
Reverse: [PONTI F]EX
[TR P II], Emperor (Caracalla?) standing left, holding spear and globe,
captive at his feet
Weight: 3.70g
Comments: imitative
hybrid combining reverse of Caracalla and obverse of S. Severus.
#20
Weight: 2.18g
#21
Weight: 1.93g
#22
Weight: 2.28g
#23
Weight: 2.50g
#24
Weight: 2.42g
#25
Weight: 2.62g
#26
Obverse: …VCRVS L…PLRT
MAX for SEVERVS AVG PART MAX, laureate head right
Reverse: ILLRCI PLTC for MARCI PATER, Mars
advancing right, holding trophy and spear
Weight: 3.03g
#27a
Obverse: …SEPT SEV PERT [AVG IMP]…,
laureate head right
Reverse: MARTI VICT, Mars advancing
right, holding inverted (!) spear and trophy
Weight: 3.21g
#27b
Obverse: …[SEPT
SEV PERT] AVG IMP [VII], laureate head right
Reverse: [MARTI] VICT, Mars advancing
right, holding inverted spear and trophy
Weight: 2.63
Picture courtesy of Barry P. Murphy
#27c
Obverse: …[SEPT
SEV PERT] AVG IMP VII, laureate head right
Reverse: MARTI VICT, Mars advancing
right, holding inverted spear and trophy
Weight: 2.63
Picture courtesy of
camelioncoins
#28 Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate
head right
Reverse: PART MAX P M T… written in
retrograde, Captives seated at base of trophy
Weight: 3.16
Comments: Very similar to #12 and #21
Picture courtesy of Barry P. Murphy
#29
Obverse: [L] SEPT SEV [PERT AVG IMP
VIII], laureate head right
Reverse: [HERCVL] – IOEPES, Hercules
standing right, holding bow and club, lion skin over his left shoulder
Weight: 3.0g
Comments: Much of the
legend given above is assumed but traces of the letter bottoms suggest it is
correct. The variant part is bold. Style seems reasonable. Is this just an
error for HERCVLI DEFENS? Whether official or not, this coin proves that die
cutting ability did not require Latin literacy.
Picture and description courtesy
of Doug Smith
#30
Obverse: SEVERVS AVG PART MAXI,
laureate head right
Reverse: FELICIT AVGVS ^^^, crossed cornucopia
Weight: 2.1g
Comments: The crossed
cornucopia type was not used as late as the first coins bearing the PART MAX
legend. Both legends are not standard and show knowledge of the words being
abbreviated (odd for a barbaric issue?). Style is not bad but not normal. Metal
seems more base than usual. What is the ^^^?
Picture and description courtesy
of Doug Smith
#31
Obverse: IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG,
laureate head right
Reverse: VIRT AVG TRP COS, Virtus
left, holding palladium and inverted spear
Weight: 3.6g!
Comments: This coin
is both heavier and better in fineness than usual. It appears to be struck on
an earlier coin (what?). Style is not official but what counterfeiter produces
better than the real thing? Is this barbaric money of necessity?
Picture and description courtesy
of Doug Smith
#32
Obverse: IMP CAE L SEPT SEV PERT AVG, laureate
head right
Reverse: BONI EVEVENT, Bonus Eventus left,
holding fruit basket and grain ears
Weight: 2.1g
Comments: While this
could be an early coin of Emesa the extra letter (T or I?) on the obverse draws
attention to the style not being normal for that mint. The stuttering EV on the
reverse is found on some regular mint coins.
Picture and description courtesy
of Doug Smith
#33
Obverse: MP SEPT SEVE-RVS AVGV EII,
laureate head right
Reverse: I --LRITAS,
Hilaritas? Left, holding patera and palm branch
Weight: 2.4g
Comments: This poorly
preserved coin is irregular in every way. The reverse seems appropriate for
Julia Domna. The obverse legend spells out the name correctly. What appears to
be 'EII' could be 'ST' continuing the spelling of 'AVGV'. A mystery!
Picture and description courtesy
of Doug Smith
#34
Obverse: IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG,
laureate head right
Reverse: VICTOR IVST AVG, Victory advancing
left, holding wreath and palm branch
Weight: 2.0g
Comments: Too wild in
style, this coin otherwize matches the rare first period of 'Emesa'. A barbaric copy of a very rare coin?
Picture and description courtesy
of Doug Smith
#35
Obverse: garbled legend, laureate
head right
Reverse: VIRT AVGG, Virtus left, holding palladium and resting
hand on shield
Weight: 1.8g
Comments: The odd
feature of this very barbarous coin is the correct rendition of the reverse
legend with the obverse hardly resembling the SEVERVS AVG PART MAX prototype. I
see this as possibly Indian.
Picture and description courtesy
of Doug Smith also see Barbaric
Severans
#36
Obverse: SEVERVS . AVG PARTICVS . MAX, laureate
head right
Reverse: VICTORIAE AVGG, Victory
floating left, holding open wreath over shield on a stand
Weight: 2.5g
Comments: While the
style is all wrong, the expansion of PARTICVS from the expected PART and the
triangular punctuation of the obverse legend distinguishes
this unofficial coin. For a similar feature see #54 below.
Picture and description courtesy
of Doug Smith
#37
Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate
head right
Reverse: MONETA AVGG, Moneta seated
left holding scales and cornucopia
Weight: 3.29g
Comments: BMC p.227 #12 in "Appendix of doubtful hybrids" cited from L. A. Lawrence collection. RIC 163 reverse. Ex Harlan J. Berk, sold by Curtis Clay, a top expert on Septimius Severus.
Picture and description
courtesy of Warren
Esty
#38
Obverse: mostly garbled legend, laureate
head right
Reverse: MON…AVGG, Moneta seated
left holding scales and cornucopia
Weight: 2.35g
Comments: From a Bulgarian dealer, so possibly from that region.
Picture and description
courtesy of Warren
Esty
#39
Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate
head right
Reverse: MINERV…, Minerva standing
left, holding spear and resting hand on shield
Weight: 2.75g
picture courtesy
of cameleoncoins
#40
Obverse: SEVERVS AVG [PART MAX],
laureate head right
Reverse: crude inscription SAL GEN
HVM, Salus standing left giving hand to a kneeling female figure
Weight: 3.16g
#41
Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate
head right
Reverse: VICTORIE AVGG, Victory
advancing left, holding wreath and palm branch
Weight: 2.18g
#42
Obverse: SEVERVS AVG - [P]ART MAX, laureate head right
Reverse: ICT LVC
COS – IT, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm branch
Weight: 2.47g
Comments: Imitation
hybrid combining early obverse type (VICT AVGG COS II P P) with middle period
obverse legend., ex Lanz 114, lot 23
Picture
from CoinArchives
#43
Obverse: II SEPT SEV PEET - LVC
IMP VII, laureate head right
Reverse: MNETL - LVCC,
Moneta standing left, holding scales and cornucopia
Weight: 2.23g
Comments: Imitation
hybrid combining reverse and obverse from different chronological groups.
Prototype for reverse - RIC 162, BMC 194, RSC 343., ex
Lanz 112, lot 37
Picture
from CoinArchives
#44 Formerly in the Marc Melcher
Collection
Obverse: SEVERVS AVG PART MAX,
laureate head right
Reverse: P SEPT GETA PONT CAES, bare
head (of Geta), bust draped and cuirassed right
Weight: 2.47g
Comments: Prototype -
RIC IV 164, RSC 3., ex CNG 63, lot 1417
Picture
from CoinArchives
#45
Obverse: …L I
Reverse: MON-C-T LV,
Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm branch
Weight: 2.96g
Comments: An
interesting imitation combining MONET AVG with a Victory type. An example of a
counterfeiter's humor?, ex CNG 63, lot 1416
Picture
from CoinArchives
#46
Obverse: SEPTIMIVS AVG PART MAX,
laureate head right
Reverse: MATER DEVM, Cybele seated
left between two lions, leaning on drum and holding wand (on the original
branch) and scepter.
Weight: ?
Comments: Imitation
mule combining obverse of Sept. Sevrus and reverse appropriate his wife Julia
Domna (prototype - RIC 564, RSC 123, S-6593). The same
reverse die is also used on Geta #5 below. This coin was sold on eBay in June
2004. If you have additional information about this coin please contact me.
#47
Obverse: unreadable inscription,
laureate head right
Reverse: AEQVITATI AVGG, Victory
advancing left, holding wreath and palm branch
Weight: 1.80g
Comments: Barbarized style
– likely prototype RIC 122c, RSC 21 (obverse inscription on the prototype is L
SEPT SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX)
#48
Obverse: …SEV PE-RT AICI…, laureate
head right
Reverse: LF IIII …, SOCPI in
exergue, pseudo-retrograde inscription attempting to spell “LEG
Weight: ?
Comments: Barbaric
Imitation of a Legio IIII Flavia denarius – prototype RIC 8, RSC 264. Legion
IIII FLAVIA was stationed on the Balkans in Singidunum,
Picture courtesy of www.romancoins.info
#49
Obverse: [SEPTIMIVS] PIVS AVG,
laureate head right
Reverse: … CARTH in exergue, Dea
Caelestis riding lion right holding thunderbolt & scepter, water springing
up from behind
Weight: ?
Comments: Barbarized
style – likely prototype RIC 266, RSC 222a (reverse inscription on the
prototype is INDVLGENTIA AVGG, IN CARTH in exergue)
Picture courtesy of Anciet Coins Canada
#50
Obverse: unreadable but also clearly
blundered inscription, laureate head right
Reverse: [VICT] AVG, Victory
advancing left, holding wreath and palm branch
Weight: 2.85g
Comments: Barbarized
style, interesting “wavy” surface on reverse, portrait surprising similar to
that of Didius Julianus
#51
Obverse: IMP C L SEPT SEVER PE AV,
laureate head right
Reverse: P M TR P IIII COS II P P,
Minerva standing left, holding shield and spear
Weight: 2.20g
Comments: Barbarized
style – likely prototype - RIC IV 71, BMCRE 134, RSC 416 originally struck in
196 AD. Curiously the full name “Severus” did not appear on the coins of this
emperor until 200 AD so it seems likely that the die cutter must have been familiar
with his full name from a source other than coins. Alternatively the coin was
struck after 200 AD.
#52
Obverse: SEVERVS AVG [PART MAX],
laureate head right
Reverse: VIRT AVG TR P COS, Virtus
(or Roma?) standing left, holding Victory and scepter (or spear)
Weight:
Comments: Clearly
unofficial style – prototype for the reverse RIC 24 (?). That type was struck
with obverse legend “IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG” which dates to 193-194 AD while
“SEVERVS AVG PART MAX” dates to a decade later.
#53
Obverse: …AVG…, laureate head right
Reverse: …G FEL, Victory floating
left, holding open wreath over shield on a stand
Weight: 2.47g
Comments: Another
floating Victory imitation.
#54
Obverse: …AVG PARTIC…, “P” and “R”
in “PARTIC” inverted, laureate head right
Reverse: …COS II P P, Victory
floating left, holding open wreath over shield on a stand
Weight: 2.30g
Comments: Interesting
in its attempt to spell the full title “PARTICVS” suggesting some advanced
knowledge of Roman culture yet blundering the letters in the very same
word. In some
important aspects very similar to #36 above.
#55
Obverse: …VCRV…, laureate head right
Reverse: VICT LCTCRN,
Victory floating left, holding open wreath over shield on a stand
Weight: 2.12g
Comments: Imitation
of RIC 170, the style is unofficial and the silver is somewhat debased. Note
the “square” letter “C” and which is characteristic of some other imitation
denarii of Sept. Severus on this page.
#56
Obverse: …SEVERVS [?AVG PART MA?] X, laureate head right
Reverse: SECVRIT IMPERM or actually
SCCVRIT IMPCRM [sic!], Securitas seated left holding globe
Weight: 2.41g
Comments: This is a
“hybrid” between an obverse of Sept. Severus and reverse of Geta RIC 20, RSC
183,183a, BMC 240, except that the inscription of the original reverse is
“SECVRIT IMPERII”.
#57
Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate
head right
Reverse: FELICITAS PVBLICA,
Felicitas standing, head to left, holding caduceus and cornucopia
Weight: 2.98g
Comments: Note the
uneven lettering (some letters twice the size of others) and stiff style on
reverse. The obverse style also doesn’t look right but because of the weak
strike it is harder to judge.
#58
Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate
head right
Reverse: VICT .
PART MAX, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm branch
Weight: 3.21g
Comments: The same as
RIC 295, RSC 744, BMC 365. S-6372 but the obverse style is clearly unofficial
#59
Obverse: SE[VERVS
AVG] PART MAX, laureate head right
Reverse: ..RSI
- DLICL,
Ceres (or Annona) standing left holding scepter (or rudder?) and grain ears
Weight: 3.27g
Comments: Interesting
barbaric imitation
#60
Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate
head right
Reverse: [PART MA?]X PONT TR P IIII,
two captives seated on either side of a trophy
Weight: 3.32g
Comments: Interesting
unofficial hybrid between an obverse of Septimius Severus with a legend common
after 202 AD and reverse proper for his son Caracalla in 201 AD. The silver is
somewhat debased and curiously the style is similar to that of denarii from the
#61
Obverse: [IMP C] LE
L SEP SE-V PERT LVG, laureate head right
Reverse: …V…., Elephant walking
right
Weight: 3.38g
Comments: Truly wild
imitation! Septimius Severus struck several different denarii with an elephant
walking right all with a reverse legend “MVNIFICENTIA AVG” however none with
the obverse legend IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG used very early in his reign.
#62
Obverse: [SEVERVS AVG PART MAX]?, laureate head right
Reverse: ???,
two captives seated on either side of a trophy
Weight: ?
Comments: Balkan imitation
similar to #12, #21, #28 and #60 above. I think the obverse die is identical to
#57 above it is hard to be sure without higher resolution picture.
#63
Obverse: unreadable inscription ,laureate head right
Reverse: garbled nonsensical
inscription, Aequitas (or Moneta) standing left, holding scales and cornucopia
Weight: ?
Comments: Heavily barbarized
imitation imitating official denarius of Sept. Severus.
#64
Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, Laureate
head right
Reverse: INDVLGENTIA AVGG, IN CARTH
in exergue, Dea Caelestis, holding a thunderbolt and riding right on lion over
water gushing from rock to the left
Weight: 2.35g
Comments: Balkan (?)
imitation of an official roman issue RIC 266D, RSC 222, S-6285
#65
Obverse: ..SEP…PART
MA[X], Laureate head right
Reverse: V LNTCI …., Septimius Severus on
horseback advancing right, holding spear
Weight: 2.1g
Comments: Very nice imitation
denarius. Clearly unofficial style!
Picture courtesy of Ancient
Imports if you are interested in purchasing the coin click here
to check for availability.
#66
Obverse: IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG,
Laureate head right
Reverse: AVG (LEG VIII) AVG,
legionary eagle between two standards
Weight: ?
Comments: The coin is
made more difficult to read by the reverse being doublestruck with a 180 degree
rotation between strikes. Only the right side was struck on each attempt so the
coin shows almost no trace of the eagle. There are two standards but one is
inverted with only the legend AVG showing on each side. The coin could be an
early 'Emesa' LEG VIII AVG but I consider the style barbaric. I have seen a die
duplicate that was struck normally confirming the LEG VIII AVG identification.
Picture and description courtesy
of Doug Smith also see Legionary Denarii
of Septimius Severus
#67
Obverse: [I]MPFLI
SEPTIM …, Laureate head right
Reverse: LEG XIIII (GEMMV)? TRPCOS,
legionary eagle between two standards
Weight: ?
Comments: The right
coin is more of a mystery. The style, particularly the eagle, is not like
anything seen here. The obverse legend is unique and demonstrates a knowledge of the emperor by spelling out SEPTIM beyond the
standard abbreviation. Both of these coins are most likely locally produced
moneys of necessity. Other barbaric coins of Septimius are covered on a page of
their own.
Picture and description courtesy
of Doug Smith also see Legionary Denarii
of Septimius Severus
#68
Obverse: SEVERVS [PIVS] AVG,
laureate head right
Reverse: IVND(inv)
ATOR PANCIS (sic), Setimius Severus standing, head to left, holding tree branch
Weight: 4.20g!!!
Comments: Interesting
and unusually heavy imitation denarius. The style is almost right but the
blundered inscription gives it away. Prototype – RIC
265, RSC 205, BMC 330
#69
Obverse: L (inv) SEP SEVERVS PER AVG
P M IMP XI, laureate head right
Reverse: RORVS AV…VS, Genius
standing left, sacrificing out of patera over altar and holding grain ears
Weight: 2.89g
Comments: Very
unusual imitation in that it uses obverse legend of an official denarius struck
at
#70
Obverse: …PHRT…AVG IMP VII, laureate
head right
Reverse: A[P]OLL[INI
AVGVSTO?], Apollo standing left with patera and lyre
Weight: 3.61g!
Comments: Clearly
unofficial fabric and to some extent style. Likely prototype – RIC 40, RSC 42. Obverse
legend on the prototype – “L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP IIII”
#71
Obverse: unreadable inscription,
laureate head right
Reverse: R P III ……
, Minerva standing left with spear and round sheild
Weight: 1.08g!
Comments: Fascinating
barbaric style. Likely prototype - RIC 53.
#72
Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate
head right
Reverse: CONCORDIA AVGG , Concordia standing left, holding patera and scepter
Weight: 2.08g
Comments: Interesting
unofficial issue
#73
Obverse: unreadable iscription, laureate
head right
Reverse: PM RREI … P P, Minerva
standing left, holding shield and spear
Weight: 2.22g
Comments: Interesting
crude unofficial issue
#74
Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head
right
Reverse: BON …. [C]OS III, Genius standing left, holding grain ears in
left hand and patera with right over lighted altar
Weight: 1.50g!
Comments: Amazing
imitation, since the reverse is largely unreadable the exact prototype is
unknown but for a similar coins see RSC 462.
#75
Obverse: SEVERVS AVG PART MAX,
laureate head right
Reverse: MARTI VICTTORI, Mars standing, head to right, holding shield
and spear
Weight: 2.88g
Comments: Unofficial
style and inappropriate combination of obverse and reverse legends
#76
Obverse: …PERT AVG …, laureate head
right
Reverse: … II … II…, crescent and two stars
Weight: 2.88g
Comments:
Julia Domna
#1
Weight: 2.76g
#2
Obverse: IVLIL DO
[MNA AVG], draped bust right
Reverse: [VENE]RI
VICT[R], Venus standing right, bottom exposed, holding palm and apple and
leaning on column
Weight: 2.87g
Comments: Imitation
of a bare-bottomed Venus (see numerous other examples below). The obverse die
seems identical to #27 above but the reverse is clearly different (even though
the type is the same).
#3
Weight: 2.26g
#4
Obverse: IVLIA AVGVSTL, draped
bust right
Reverse: IVNO, Juno standing half-left,
holding patera and scepter, peacock standing left, head turned back
Weight: 2.90g
Comments: Similar to
#18 below. Prototype - RIC 559, RSC 82, BMC 38, S-6588.
#5 Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: IVLIA AVGVSTA, Draped
bust right
Reverse: HIALRITAS (sic!), Hilaritas
standing left, holding palm and cornucopia; child to either side
Weight: 2.33g
Comments: Judging the spelling error on reverse, mixing Latin and Greek letters, it is a safe bet that the coin was minted in the East
, another 
picture courtesy
of Barry P. Murphy
#6 Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: IVLIA AVGVSTA, Draped
bust right
Reverse: IVNO
Weight: 2.49g
, another 
picture courtesy
of Barry P. Murphy
#7
Weight: 1.88g
#8 Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: attempting IVLIA AVGVSTA
but badly blundered, Draped bust right
Reverse: attempting PVDICITIA but
blundered, Pudicitia seated left
Weight: 2.58g
, another 
picture courtesy
of Barry P. Murphy
#9a
Obverse: IVLIA DOMINA (sic!), Draped
bust right
Reverse: [VE]STA,
Vesta seated left, holding palladium and scepter
Weight: 2.89g
#9b Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: IVLIA DOMINA (sic!), Draped
bust right
Reverse: VES[TA],
Vesta seated left, holding palladium and scepter
Weight: 3.19g
Picture courtesy of Barry P. Murphy
#10
Weight: 2.71g
#11
Weight: 2.80g
#12
Weight: 2.22g
#13 Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: IVLI… AVGVSTA, draped
bust right
Reverse: VENERI VICTR, Venus
standing right, holding palm and apple and leaning on column
Weight: 3.32g
Picture courtesy of Barry P. Murphy
#14 Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: IVLIA AVGVST, Draped
bust right
Reverse: VCNI … CTR, Venus
standing right, holding palm and apple and leaning on column
Weight: 2.58g
Picture courtesy of Barry P. Murphy
#15
Obverse: IVLIA
AVGVSTA, draped bust right
Reverse: FELICIT-AS
AVGG, Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus on long staff, and cornucopia
Weight: 3.01g
Comments: Good-silver imitation, crude bust style, cited in RSC 51 as
"ancient forgery? Hybrid, reverse of Septimius."
Clearly this example is an ancient imitation -- but possibly not for profit
because the silver looks as good as the official issues. BMC page 170 lists the
legend among "doubtful denarius" types. See plate 30 for Caracalla,
BMC (S&C) 161, p. 186 "199-201".
Picture and description
courtesy of Warren
Esty
#16
Obverse: IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped
bust right
Reverse: VENERI VICTR, Venus
standing right, holding palm and apple and leaning on column
Weight: ?
Picture courtesy
of Doug Smith
#17
Obverse: PLIA DO - MNA LVC,
draped bust right
Reverse: L LV - C - LI – BER,
Liberalitas standing right, holding abacus and cornucopia
Weight: 2.71g
Comments: Apparent
imitation “mule” combining obverse of Julia Domna and reverse of Sept. Sevrus
(similar to RIC 277)., ex Lanz 120, lot 36
Picture
from CoinArchives
#18
Obverse: IVLIA AVGVSTL, draped
bust right
Reverse: IVNO, Juno standing
half-left, holding patera and scepter, peacock standing left, head turned back
Weight: 2.49g
Comments: Similar to
#4 above. Prototype - RIC 559, RSC 82, BMC 38, S-6588., ex Lanz 117, lot 80
Picture
from CoinArchives
#19
Obverse: IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped
bust right
Reverse: CERERI FRVGIF, Ceres seated
left, holding grain ears and scepter
Weight: 1.59g
Comments: Similar to
#3 above. Prototype - RIC 546, RSC 14, BMC 10, S-6576., ex Lanz 118, lot 47
Picture
from CoinArchives
#20
Obverse: [I]VLIA
[AVGVS]TA, draped bust right
Reverse: [P]ROVID
AV[GG], Providentia standing left holding scepter, globe at he feet
Weight: 2.95g
Comments: Imitation
hybrid combining obverse of Julia Domna and reverse appropriate for her husband
– for example Sept. Severus RIC 166.
#21
Obverse: IVLIA DOMNA AVG, draped
bust right
Reverse: VENERI VICTR, Venus
standing right, holding palm and apple and leaning on column
Weight: ?
Comments: Yet another
imitation of a bare-bottomed Venus
#22
Obverse: IVLIA [AVG]VSTA, draped bust right
Reverse: [MONE]T-AG…N,
Aequitas (Moneta?) standing, head to left, holding scales and
cornucopia
Weight: 2.44g
Comments: The style
is eastern but also clearly unofficial. It looks like a pseudo-hybrid combining
obverse of J. Domna and reverse of S. Severus.
#23
Obverse: IVLIL
DO-MNL
LVC,
draped bust right
Reverse: [VENE]RI
VICTR, Venus standing right, bottom exposed, holding palm and apple and
leaning on column
Weight: 1.26g
Comments: Yet another
imitation of a bare-bottomed Venus. This coin has a very interesting feature.
Its diameter and thickness are the same as regular silver denarii but its
weight is less than half. It almost feels like an aluminum coin although it is
clearly a silver alloy. My guess is that it is silver-tin alloy. I have never
seen another coin of this sort before.
#24
Obverse: IVLI[A]
AVGV[STA], draped bust right
Reverse: [PIETAS] PVBLICA, Pietas
standing, head to left, arms raised, altar at left (?)
Weight: 2.28g
Comments: Barbaric
style and fabric but otherwise reasonably close copy of RIC 574, RSC 156,
S-6601, BMC 69
#25
Obverse: IVLIL LVGVS,
draped bust right
Reverse: ..NCRI
VCTR, Venus standing right, bottom exposed, holding palm and apple and
leaning on column
Weight: 2.55g
Comments: Yet another
imitation of a bare-bottomed Venus
#26
Obverse: IVLIA DOMNI LL,
draped bust right
Reverse: ..TORII
LVG,
Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm branch
Weight: 2.93g
Comments: Crude
barbaric style but struck on good bright silver. The coin is an imitation
hybrid combining obverse of Julia Domna and reverse of her husband Septimius
Severus.
Picture courtesy of
camelioncoins
#27
Obverse: IVLIL DO
[MNA AVG], draped bust right
Reverse: VENERI [VICTR], Venus
standing right, bottom exposed, holding palm and apple and leaning on column
Weight: 2.57g
Comments: Yet another
imitation of a bare-bottomed Venus. The obverse die seems identical to #2 above
but the reverse is clearly different (even though the type is the same). Also,
unlike #2 which I believe comes from a Balkan hoard this one is apparently from
Middle Eastern origin.
#28
Obverse: IVLIL DO
MNA AV[G], draped bust right
Reverse: VENERI [VI]CTR, Venus standing right, bottom exposed,
holding palm and apple and leaning on column
Weight: 2.43g
Comments: Yet another
imitation of a bare-bottomed Venus. The
reverse is messed up from a double strike but there are features on obverse
which look unofficial. The portrait style is not right and the lettering
doesn’t fit either
#29
Obverse: IVL[IA
D]OMNA AVG, draped bust right
Reverse: LIBERLTA (sic)..G, Liberalitas seated left, holding
accounting board and cornucopia
Weight: ?
Comments: The style
is similar to the official denarii of Emesa and especially Laodicae ad Mare –
type similar to RIC 627a.
Picture courtesy of Beast Coins
– if you are interested in purchasing the coin click here
to check for availability.
#30
Obverse: IVLIA DO AVGVS…, draped
bust right
Reverse: …NERI VICTR, Venus
standing right, holding palm and apple and leaning on column
Weight: 2.15g
Comments: Yet another
imitation of a bare-bottomed Venus. Worth noting the unique
obverse legend.
Picture courtesy of
camelioncoins
#31
Obverse: IVLIA [AV]GVSTA,
draped bust right
Reverse: [CERERI F]RVGIF,
Ceres seated left, holding grain ears and scepter
Weight: ?
Comments: Interesting
coin showing clear deviations from the official issue. The drapery of the bust
is wrong and the lettering is just not right. Prototype - RIC 546, RSC 14, BMC
10, S-6576
#32
Obverse: I[VLIA]
AVGVSTA, draped bust right
Reverse: MINER-V I-[CTRI]X Minerva standing left, scepter in left hand,
Victory in right hand, shield at feet, trophy behind Weight: 2.78g
Comments: Barbaric pseudomule with a reverse imitating
a coin of Caracalla (RIC 336b or
#33
Obverse: IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped
bust right
Reverse: [SAECVLI]FELICITAS, Isis, wearing polos on
head, standing right, left foot on prow, holding Horus; behind, rudder resting
against altar
Weight: 2.19g
Comments: Barbaric imitation – prototype RIC 577, RSC
174, S-6606
#34
Obverse: IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, draped
bust right
Reverse: VESTA, Vesta seated left,
holding scepter and simpulum
Weight: 2.56g
Comments: The style and fabric look decidedly
unofficial. Julia, who at the time this coin was struck was in her 40-s, looks
like a little school girl. Prototype – RIC 391 (Caracalla), RSC 226, S-7109
Caracalla
#1
Weight: 1.77g
#2 Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate
and draped bust right
Reverse: MATER DEVM, Cybele
seated left, holding branch in right hand, scepter in left, lions at side
Weight: 3.74g!
, another 
picture courtesy
of Barry P. Murphy
#3
Weight: 2.90g
#4
Weight: 2.56g
#5
Weight: 3.02g
#6
Weight: 2.70g
#7
Weight: 2.43g
#8
Weight: 2.65g
#9
Weight: 2.25g
#10a
Obverse: [M AVR ANTON] CAES PONTIF,
bare head, bust draped right
Reverse: [BONI EVENTVS], Bonus
Eventus left, holding fruit basket and grain ears
Weight: 3.16g
#10b
Obverse: M AVR ANTON CAES PONTIF,
bare head, bust draped right
Reverse: BON[I
EVENTVS], Bonus Eventus left, holding fruit basket and grain ears
Weight: 3.9g!!!
Picture courtesy
of Doug Smith (also see My
Questions)
#11
Obverse: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right
Reverse:
Weight: 2.24g
Comments: Barbarous
imitation copying an official
Picture courtesy of Galleria Antiquarica
#12
Obverse: M AVR ANTONINVS CAES, draped bust right
Reverse: LEVERI LVC PLP (copying “SEVERI AVG PII
FIL” on the prototype), sacrificial implements (lituus, axe, jug, simpulum
& sprinkler on the prototype)
Weight?
Comments: Barbarous
imitation copying an official Rome issue – prototype - RIC 4, RSC 587, BMC 184,
S-6679
Picture courtesy of Ancient Treasures
#13
Obverse: … CAES PONTIF,
bare head, bust draped right
Reverse: MART VLTORI, Mars walking
right holding spear and trophy.
Weight: 2.48g
Comments: Barbarous
imitation copying an official
#14
Obverse: LLNTONINVS PIVS LVC
BBIT, laureate head right
Reverse: PROVIDENTIA AVG,
Providentia standing, head to left, holding wand in right hand pointed to a
globe at her feet and cornucopia in her left arm
Weight: 2.88g
Comments: Unofficial
fabric and style
#15
Obverse: M AVP LNTO CLIS ION[T],
bare head bust right
Reverse: MAPS …TORI, Mars walking
right, holding spear and trophy
Weight: 1.80g
Comments: Interesting
barbarous imitation combining Latin and Greek letters. Clearly
of eastern origin.
#16
Obverse: INTONINV PIVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: P M TR P X-III COS III P P,
two captives seated on either side of a trophy stand
Weight: 1.93g
Comments: Barbarous
hybrid combining an obverse of Caracalla 198-200 AD and reverse of his father
Septimius Severus from about 205 AD.
#17
Obverse: ANTONINVS …, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: PRI[NCIPI
IVVENTVT]IS, Caracalla standing left, holding baton and spear, trophy behind
Weight: ?
Comments: Apparently
unofficial hybrid. The reverse is identical to an official issue - RIC 13b, RSC
505 – which is appropriate for a junior Caesar. The obverse show a laureate
bust indicating it was issued after Caracalla became Augustus.
#18
Obverse: ANTONINVS DIVS AV CI,
laureate draped bust right
Reverse: completely blundered
inscription, female deity (Fortuna?) holding rudder (?) and cornucopia
Weight: 3.5g
Comments: Completely
barbarized style but the features are more similar to Caracalla than
Elagabalus. Amazing imitation!
Picture courtesy of Nemesis Ancients & Antiquities
#19
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG[VSTVS], laureate draped and
cuirassed bust right
Reverse: RECTOR ORBIS, Caracalla as
Sol standing left, holding globe in right hand, spear in left.
Weight: 2.24g
Comments: Unofficial copy of RIC 39a, RSC 542. The
style is way off (especially on obverse) and the lettering is nothing like that
on the official coins. The weight is also too low.
#20
Obverse: … LVGVST, laureate draped and
cuirassed bust right
Reverse: SECVRI…, Minerva standing
left, holding shield in right hand, spear in left.
Weight: 3.20g
Comments: The style is remarkably similar to Sept.
Severus #17 & #56, Julia Domna #14, Caracalla #7 above and Geta #6 below.
It seems almost certain that they are all the product of the same workshop.
#21
Obverse: ANTO[NINV]
Reverse:…
TR P V, two captives sitting on either side of a trophy
Weight: 2.10g
Comments: The style is remarkably similar to Sept.
Severus #74 above.
Plautilla
#1
Obverse: PLAVT(or S?)ALA
AVGVSTA, draped bust right
Reverse: PROVID AVGG, Geta (?) and
Caracalla togated facing each other and clasping hands
Weight: 2.22g
Comments: Struck on
debased silver but clearly better than “billon”. Hard to figure out which
prototype is being copied. There are two types of Plautalla showing her
clasping hands with her husband Caracalla to celebrate their ill fated marriage
but both figures here seem to be male.
Geta
#1
Weight: 2.65g
#2 Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: P SEPT GETA CAES PONT, bare
headed, draped bust right
Reverse: LIB AVG … M TR P X
Weight: 3.04g
, another 
picture courtesy
of Barry P. Murphy
#3
Weight: 3.82g!
#4 Formerly
in the BPM collection
Obverse: P SEPTIMIVS GETA CAES, bare
headed, draped bust right
Reverse: PONTIF COS II, Geta
on horseback left, spearing fallen enemy
Weight: 2.58g
Picture courtesy of Barry P. Murphy
#5
Obverse: P SEPT GETA CAES PONT, bare
headed, draped bust right
Reverse: MATER DEVM, Cybele seated
left between two lions, leaning on drum and holding wand (on the original
branch) and scepter.
Weight: ?
Comments: Imitation
mule combining obverse of Geta and reverse appropriate hismother Julia Domna
(prototype - RIC 564, RSC 123, S-6593). The same reverse die is also used on Sept.
Severus #46
above. This coin was sold on eBay in July 2004. If you have additional
information about this coin please contact me.
#6
Obverse: L GCPTIMIVS GCTL CLCS,
bare headed, draped bust right
Reverse: ….TI LVCC
X, Aequity standing left, holding scales and cornucopia
Weight: 2.87g
Comments: Nice
barbarous imitation!
#7
Obverse: P SEPT CETL
CAES [PONT], bare headed, draped bust right
Reverse: NOBI-[LITAS], Nobilitas
standing, head to right, holding scepter and palladium
Weight: ?
Comments: Nice
unofficial issue! Prototype - RIC 13a, RSC 90, S-7184
Also see Sept.
Severus #44
Macrinus
#1
Obverse: IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS
AVG, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right
Reverse: FELICITAS TEMPORVM,
Felicitas standing left holding short caduceus and vertical scepter
Weight: ?
Comments: The
lettering is impeccable, but the portrait style odd. The nose is pointy and the
chin weak.
Under magnification is clear the brown on the check is encrusted on it, not in
it, and the metal seems good. Prototype: Sear 2051. RIC 62, p. 10. I have
seen one other, in
Picture and description
courtesy of Warren
Esty
Below is shown a
Slavey Petrov forgery (reproduction) that could easily be confused for barbaric
imitation
Weight: 3.60g
Elagabalus
#1
Weight: 2.67g
#2
Weight: 3.02g
Julia Maesa
#1
Weight: 2.66g
#2
Obverse: IVLIA MAESA AVG, draped
bust right
Reverse: VENVS CAELECTIS, Venus
standing, head to left, holding apple and scepter
Weight: 1.87g
Comments: Imitation
hybrid combining obverse of Julia Maesa and reverse appropriate for her
daughter Julia Soaemias – RIC 241, RSC 8
#3
Obverse: IVLIA [MAE]SA AVG, draped bust right
Reverse: PVDICITIA, Pudicitia seated
left, pulling drapery over head
Weight: ?
Comments: Clearly
unofficial issue. Prototype - RIC 268, RSC 36, BMC 76, S-7756
picture courtesy of Ancient Treasures
Severus Alexander
#1
Weight: 2.77g
#2
Weight: 3.38g
#3
Weight: 2.36g
#4
Weight: 2.39g
#5
Weight: 1.69g
#6
Obverse: IMP C M AV SEV ALEXAND AVG,
laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: P M TR P VI COS II P P, Aequitas
standing facing, head left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopiae in
left, fold of drapery over left arm
Weight: slightly under 3 grams
Comments: A find of
55 contemporary false silver denarii of Severus Alexander (11), Julia Mamaea
(42) and blank planchets (2). Reportedly found near
Picture
from CoinArchives
#7
Obverse: [IMP C M AVR SEV] ALEXAND
AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: P M TR P V [COS II P P],
Mars advancing right, carrying spear in right hand, trophy over left shoulder
Weight: 2.36g
Comments: prototype –
RIC 52, RSC 280
#8
Obverse: IMP SEV ALE - XAND AVG,
laureate head right
Reverse: P VIRTVS AVG, Emperor standing left, holding reversed spear and globe
Weight: 2.61g
Comments: Crude
unofficial style – prototype RIC 226, RSC 586, BMC 647, S-7938. On the
prototype Alexander right foot is stepping on a helmet.
Picture courtesy of camelioncoins
#9
Obverse: IMP SEV ALE-XAND [AVG],
laureate head right
Reverse: IOVI CONSER-VATORI, Jupiter
standing left, holding thunderbolts and scepter, a small figure of Severus
Alexander below his right hand
Weight: 3.27g
Comments: There are
several stylistic errors which point to this being an unofficial issue. The
most obvious is the way Jupiter is holding the thunderbolts (which themselves
are in a wrong style). The palm of his hand is facing down, not up, as is on
all official coins of this type. The silver content is also lower than
official. Prototype – RIC 200, RSC 73, S-7869.
Julia Mamaea
#1
Obverse: IVLIA MAMAEA AVG, draped
bust right
Reverse: IVNO, Vesta, veiled,
standing facing, head left, holding patera in right
hand and transverse sceptre in left
Weight: slightly under 3 grams
Comments: A find of
55 contemporary false silver denarii of Severus Alexander (11), Julia Mamaea
(42) and blank planchets (2). Reportedly found near
Picture
from CoinArchives
Maximinus I Thrax
#1
Weight: 2.56g
#2
Weight: 2.61g
#3
Obverse: IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG,
laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: PROVIDE-NTIA AVG,
Providentia standing left with cornucopia and wand pointed at globe at foot
Weight: 3.09g
Comments: Combing RIC
13, RSC 77 with RIC 20., ex Fritz Rudolf Künker 83,
lot 1139
Picture
from CoinArchives
Gordian III
#1 Imitation antoninianus
Obverse: IMP GORDILNVS
PIVS ITL LVG, radiate draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: P M T P P IIII COS II P P,
Apollo seated left holding branch and resting his arm on lyre
Weight: 3.18g
Comments: Fascinating
unofficial style. Likely prototype - RIC 88, RSC 250
#2 Imitation antoninianus
Obverse: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS
AVG, radiate draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: P M TR P III COS PP, Gordian
(Concordia?) left holding patera over lit altar
Weight: 4.41g
Comments: The top
half of the figure on obverse is to the right of the bottom half -- it is
poorly engraved. Sometimes this type of appearance can come from a double
strike, but this is not double struck. Again the lettering is very bold --
bolder than usual.
RIC 69 (page 23, plate 2.2) has this reverse with IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG of
the earlier "third issue" or AD 240. The obverse legend of the coin
above did not begin until the following issue of 241.
I speculate that this is not the usual forgery from inside the empire, but an
attempt at a reasonably valuable coin by some group north or northeast of the
region controlled by the empire. I speculate the region would be in the "
Picture and description
courtesy of Warren
Esty
#3 Imitation denarius, formerly in
the George His Collection
Obverse: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG,
laureate head right
Reverse: VICTO-RI-A AVG, Victory
advancing right, holding wreath and palm branch
Weight: 2.59g
Comments: Not listed
in any major reference., ex Lanz 86, lot 630, ex CNG
Triton V, lot 2076
Picture
from CoinArchives
#4 Imitation antoninianus
Obverse: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG,
radiate draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: P M TR P II COS P P,
Weight: 3.85g
Comments: Imitation
hybrid combining early reverse (either RIC 18 from
Philip I the Arab
#1
Imitation antoninianus
Obverse:
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse:
PROVID AVG, Providentia (
Weight:
4.54g
Comments: This reverse is listed as a hybrid of Gordian
III. This version, with the long obverse
legend is unlisted in any reference.
Picture and description courtesy of Et
Tu Antiquities
#2 Imitation antoninianus
Obverse: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS
AVG, radiate draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: LAETITIA FVLMENNAT,
Laetitia (Joy, Gladness) standing left, foot on prow, holding patera and rudder
Weight: 3.61g
Comments: The style
of this coin and its unique reverse legend suggest that it is an ancient
forgery from the eastern providence. A
loose translation would be “Joy to the thunderbolt thrower”. A very interesting coin!
Picture and description courtesy of Et Tu Antiquities
Otacilia Severa
#1
Imitation antoninianus
Obverse: M
OTACIL SEVERA AVG, Diademed and draped bust right, on crescent
Reverse:
CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia seated left, holding patera and double cornucopia
Weight:
3.88g
Comments: Very close to the official issue but the style is
clearly “barbarized”. Prototype – RIC 125(c), RSC 4
Herennia Etruscilla
Weight: 3.55g
USEFUL LINKS
Warren Esty maintains a large number of web pages
discussing and illustrating various forms of ancient forgeries and imitations.
His pages are too numerous to list but you can start exploring by clicking
here: Ancient Imitations of Roman
Coins
If you are just starting collecting ancient coins you must visit
the site maintained by Doug Smith - Ancient Greek & Roman
Coins. Be warned, you may spend the next six hours glued to your
computer! Doug’s easygoing and personable style makes for great reading. He
also has a number of pages dealing with ancient imitation. Pertinent to our
topic is his page on Barbaric
Denarii of Septimius Severus which, with his kind permission, I have
largely copied on this page.
Phil Davis maintains
a wonderful site
dedicated to the study of Roman Republican and early Imperial denarii. If you
like these coins you will enjoy reading his article originally
published in the Celator.
CoinArchives maintains a large online
record of ancient coins sold by major international numismatic auctioneers in
the past several years. Great resource for higher-end coins.
Most descriptions are in German but a still a truly invaluable online resource.
Wild Winds is the most comprehensive
online catalogue for ancient coins covering not only ancient Greek and Roman
but also Romaion (more commonly known as Byzantine) and, more significantly for
the visitors to this site, Celtic (and other
“barbarian”) coins by tribe and region.