minted in Rome
This silver-plated coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus in 106 BC. It is a type of coin known as a denarius serratus due to its serrated edge. The coin may be an ancient forgery. This picture shows the obverse.
The obverse depicts a bust of Jupiter, the father of the gods, wearing a laurel wreath.
From the beginning of the denarius through to the mid 60's BC, certain issues were made with serrated edges, cut with a chisel before striking the coin. The reasons behind this practice are not known, but perhaps were due merely to fashion.
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