Counterfeiter’s Die for Limetanus Denarius

Triton XVI, Lot: 771. Estimate $5000. Sold for $4500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Counterfeiter’s die. Circa 82 BC. Iron die for AR Denarius. Dimensions: overall length, 20mm; diameter, 33 mm at face, tapering to approximately 27mm at base. Of cylindrical form. Weight: 94.05 grams. Bronze face of cast impression of obverse of denarius (Mamilia 6) mounted to iron shank. Cf. Crawford pp. 560-562; cf. N. Lupu, “Aspekte des Münzumlaufs im vorrömischen Dakien,” JNG XVII (1967), pl. 6; cf. C.C. Vermeule, “Some notes on ancient dies and coining methods,” NumCirc LXI.10 (November 1953), Die Representation No. 2; cf. W. Malkmus, “Addenda to Vermeule’s catalog of ancient coin dies: Part 1,” SAN XVII.4 (September 1989), p. 82. Good VF, iron shank rusted and corroded, die intact. Exceptionally well preserved die face.