Counterfeiter’s Die for Limetanus Denarius

CNG 109, Lot: 748. Estimate $4000. Sold for $4250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ROMAN REPUBLICAN, Counterfeiters’ Dies. temp. C. Mamilius Limetanus. 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 with traces of serrated edge of the coin visible. Exceptionally well preserved die face. Extremely rare.

Ex Triton XVI (7 January 2013), lot 771.