Illustrating the Two Stages of Use for Roman Aurei in India

366, Lot: 23. Estimate $400. Sold for $1800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANCIENT COINS USED IN INDIA & INDIAN IMITATIONS. Domitian. AD 81-96. AV Aureus (21mm, 7.05 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 85/6. Laureate head right / Germania seated right on shield in attitude of mourning; broken spear below. RIC II 346; Calicó 866; Turner –. Good Fine, test cut on obverse and two holes for suspension.

From the collection of Dr. Lawrence A. Adams.

Non-local gold coins were marked with a test cut to determine that they were composed of solid metal. This coin was subsequently saved and used as jewelry, evidenced by the two holes for suspension.