Sale: CNG 66, Lot: 1657. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 19 May 2004.  Sold For $240. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

LEO I. 457-474 AD. AR Imitation Half Siliqua (0.80 gm). Constantinople mint. Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SAL/REI/PUI in three lines within wreath; CONS*. RIC X 650; RSC 12†a. Toned VF. Rare. ($200)

Although siliquae of this type were struck throughout Leo's reign, Kent (in RIC) identified a similar series distinguished by a blundered legend, consistently lower weight (circa 0.71 gm), and atypical fabric. Their origin and official character, however, remain uncertain, due the lack of a parallel for them in other reigns and the absence of any published evidence of provenence. As such, Kent tentatively labelled them as imitative.