Fourree of Julia Maesa
This Roman denarius came in from Mike Ruczynski. The illustrations show that it isn’t solid silver; instead, it clearly has a base metal core covered by a thin layer of silver. Mike assumed that it would be worth less than a solid silver example.
A denarius like this one is known as a fourree. Strictly speaking this and similar coins are plated counterfeits but specimens are known that were struck from official dies. Whether or not this was sanctioned by the authorities at some mints is uncertain.
Mike’s fourree is a coin of Julia Maesa, who was the sister of Julia Domna and grandmother of Elagabalus and Severus Alexander. On the obverse is a bust of Julia Maesa and a legend reading IVLIA MAESA AVG. The reverse is very weak but the standing figure might be Felicitas and the legend SAECVLI FELICITAS. If my reading of the reverse is correct then in volume II of David Sear’s Roman Coins and Their Values the coin would be number 7757. This type was struck at Rome during AD 220-22.
Valuation
The obverse is better than Fine but the reverse is only Poor. As it is a fourree my price range would be no higher than £7-10.
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