★ Rare forger’s test strike(?) in lead ★

Romanus III Argyrus (AD 1028-1034), contemporary forger’s test strike of AR miliaresion in Pb (?); official type issued c. 1030. 17.77g, 30.5mm.
Obv: + ΠΑΡΤΘЄΝЄ-COI ΠΟΛVΑΙΝЄ, Virgin, nimbate, standing three-quarter right on footstool, holding in Her arms the nimbate infant Christ; M-Θ across fields, all in triple border with pellets on centre ring
Rev: OC ΗΛΠΙΚЄ ΠΑΝ-ΤΑ ΚΑΤΟΡΘΟΙ, Romanus III standing facing on footstool, long patriarchal cross with globus terminus in right hand, globus surmounted by patriarchal cross in left; all in triple border with pellets on center ring.
cf. SB 1822, DOC III, Part 2, 3a.

A very unusual item, with apparently original patination and encrustations, although we hasten to add that our experience with Pb items is limited - so the possibility it is a strange modern fake cannot be entirely excluded. The style and lettering as well as the square die indicate that it is not official, but its thickness and weight mean it cannot have been intended as a fourrée imitation itself. Therefore the most likely hypothesis is that it is a test strike from a forger's die. Extremely rare as such, and imitating a rare and interesting type. Fascinating item! (Assuming it is not a modern fake, that is. Sold as is, no returns.)