Lot 2326
L. Roscius Fabatus, moneyer. AR Serrated Denarius minted at Rome, c. 64 BC. Head right of Juno Sospita wearing goat's skin. Reverse: Female standing right, feeding snake. Roscia 3; Cr. 412/1; Syd. 915. Extremely Fine, nicely toned.
The serrated or notched edge of this issue (and others) was likely designed to obviate the need of test marks. To visually check the purity of the metal, one only had to look "inside" the notches. Furthermore, clipping a percentage at the periphery would also be easily assessed. Some numismatists believe, however, that these handmade edge cuts were purely decorative.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
Ex Superior's Pipito Sale (12 XII 87), lot 737.
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| Realized $604 |
