★ A curious and interesting subaeratus ★

C. Mamilius Limetanus, 82 BC. Denarius (Subaeratus, 19 mm, 3.45 g, 9 h), a contemporary plated imitation. Irregular mint. Draped bust of Mercury to right, wearing winged petasos and with caduceus over his left shoulder; behind, I. Rev. C•MAMIL - LIMETAN Ulysses standing right, holding walking stick in his left hand and extending his right toward his dog Argus who is barking in greeting on the right. Cf. Babelon (Mamilia) 6, Crawford 362/1, RBW 1370 and Sydenham 741 (for prototype). A curious and interesting subaeratus. Some graffiti and with minor breaks in plating, otherwise, very fine.

If the purpose of the serration of Roman Republican denarii was to render them unforgeable, this example shows that the goal was not achieved!