2nd Century A.D. Limes Denarius Fine
‘Limes Denarius’ is an intriguing mystery! They are a base metal or very low silver content Denarius mostly found in the border areas of the empire, especially in Europe. They are generally well made and would have fooled people at the time using plating or a silver wash. But no one knows who made them! One theory is that the state made them pay soldiers on the ‘Limes’ (border forts) of the empire so that if they were raided the enemy would not get lots of silver. Another is that the state could not afford the soldier's pay to go up over successive emperors so it ignored the people making counterfeits, especially on the fringes of the empire. Sadly, until someone studies this in more depth we will not know. We have just bought a small group of theses Limes Denarius showing multiple emperors from the 2nd Century A.D. on the obverse (mostly Marcus Aurelius) with various reverses. They grade Fine, showing a clear portrait and making a most interesting addition to any collection. Were they state-made or by the people who needed them? It is your mystery too now! PLEASE NOTE: PHOTOGRAPHY IS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COIN SUPPLIED