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Domitian, Cast Limes Denarius
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Domitian 81-96 A.D. AE Cast Limes Denarius. Uncertain Mint (2.54g, 20.5m, 6h). Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V, laureate head right. Rev: IMP VIII COS XI CENS P P P, Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to right owl. (M2). Copies RIC 343. Ex Warren Esty.
There is a large degree of uncertainty about so called, limes denarii, found primarily on the frontiers of the empire. They might have been official products made in areas where silver was in short supply, or, they could be unofficial productions, and/or barbarous imitations. Whatever their role, I find them fascination. While many were struck, some, like this example, were actually cast. Some have evidence of a silver wash, but this specimen does not. Limes denarii remain an enigma, and that was a large part of the appeal of this coin for me.
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