bhx7 Posted April 25, 2018 Posted April 25, 2018 So after a nice response on my last Roman I have a quick question regarding coinage and their metals. I picked up a nice little roman coin, entitled unknown and just paid a couple of pounds. It was the head of the young boy that got me as it is a lovely portrait. I have done a little digging and think I have found the correct coin; online research only though, as I don't have any specific Roman references; but there seems to be a stumbling block. The coin I have is almost definitely bronze, weighs 2.98g and measures 14mm by 16 mm and approx 2mm thick. The one I have found which I think is correct is down as an AR Denarius. Description taken from Beast Coins website: https://www.beastcoins.com/RomanImperial/IV-I/Caracalla/Caracalla.htm Caracalla as Caesar, AR Denarius, 196?, Rome M AVR ANTONI_NVS CAES Bare head, draped, cuirassed bust right, seen from behind SECVRITAS PE_RPETVA Minerva, helmeted, standing facing, head left, reversed spear in left hand, right resting on shield 16mm x 19mm, 3.06g RIC IV, Part I, 2 (S) The sizes can vary obviously but is this just a case of a debased coin, a contemporary forgery, or something else. My coin is below, the other can be found via link Thanks in advance Quote
Unwilling Numismatist Posted April 25, 2018 Posted April 25, 2018 Many were silver dipped as currency became worth less, so it's probably a good match to be honest 1 Quote
Peckris Posted April 26, 2018 Posted April 26, 2018 The denarius (silver) was replaced by the antoninianus (various degrees of silver wash; valued at 2 denarii) and ultimately with the follis which was 100% bronze. The antoninianus was introduced by Caracalla so that is what it could well be. 2 Quote
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