Sale: CNG 64, Lot: 985. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2003.  Sold For $410. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CLAUDIUS. 41-54 AD. AR Fourré Denarius (2.78 gm). Imitating Rome mint. Struck circa 50-51 AD. Laureate head right / S P Q R/P P/OB C S in three lines within oak-wreath. Cf. RIC I 60; cf. RSC 94. EF, copper core exposed at edge. ($300)

The ancient forger apparently spent much time accurately copying the style, which is very good on this fourré. However, he bungled the legend, which should end with IMP XVIII, not IMP VIII.