Gemini, LLC
Auction X 13 January 2013
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Ancient forger's die. Iron reverse die of Mark Antony legionary denarius. 33 mm x 20 mm, 77.46g. . , After 31 BC. Reverse die of a denarius of LEG VI, legionary eagle between two standards (all retrograde). Cf. Crawford 544/19, Sydenham 1223, and Sear, Imperators 356.
Ex Randy Haviland Collection. Ex Gemini I, 11 January 2005, lot 299.
That this die must be the product of an ancient forger, rather than of Antony's military mint, is evidenced by the poor centering of the image on the die face. Part of the border of dots is missing, as is the bottom of the left standard. This is inconceivable on an official mint product engraved by hand. It is, however, completely consistent with a die made from an impression of an actual coin. The shallow relief on the present artifact is also consistent with this explanation.
Ex Randy Haviland Collection. Ex Gemini I, 11 January 2005, lot 299.
That this die must be the product of an ancient forger, rather than of Antony's military mint, is evidenced by the poor centering of the image on the die face. Part of the border of dots is missing, as is the bottom of the left standard. This is inconceivable on an official mint product engraved by hand. It is, however, completely consistent with a die made from an impression of an actual coin. The shallow relief on the present artifact is also consistent with this explanation.