Roman Republic Denarius (Moneyer, Balbus)

Obverse of Roman Republic Denarius
Reverse of Roman Republic Denarius

Featured is a 'fouree' denarius of the Roman Republic. A 'fouree' is a contemporary counterfeit with a precious metal skin over a base metal (or lesser precious metal) core. Fourees are quite common for this period in Roman history, and some were even struck 'officially' by government mints! The right to strike money during the republican period was an annual appointment shared between 3-4 people. Whilst the office of moneyer was not part of the Cursus Honorum, it was often used to as a means of self-promotion to those who aspired to win elections to higher office later on. Some of the less scrupulous moneyers also took the opportunity to make money from the appointment by making fourees like this coin, so they could make more coins with less silver. This might have been a risky enterprise for those who aspired to a future political career. If their money had a reputation for being of low quality, it would have undermined their reputation, not to mention disgrace the family name. On the other hand however, taking part in elections was an expensive enterprise (often involving bribery and providing bread and circuses for the masses) Some may have had no choice but to exploit the opportunity to make money from striking fourees and amass as much wealth as possible to fund their own political advancement.
Eventually, as was the case with this example, the silver skin would wear off or break apart, usually after years of circulation, revealing the cheaper metal core beneath. It is doubtful that the person who owned the coin would have been particularly pleased at being the last one holding it when this happened...

Price & Availability:-

Description	Grade	Price £	Price $	Availability
Silver Denarius Fouree of the Roman Republic 2.9g	Good Fine	£15	$Ask	Sold

Postage & Packing:
UK: At buyer's Risk £3.50 or
Fully Insured £9 (Usually by Royal Mail Special Delivery)
USA: Airmail at buyer's risk $10 or
Fully Insured $20
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