COIN (ROMAN)
Description: A Roman silver ancient copy of a denarius of Augustus dating to 15-13 BC (Reece period 1). Reverse type depicting bull butting right. Mint of Lugdunum. RIC vol. I p. 52 no. 167a. 

The coin has been pierced at 2 o’clock on the obverse, either for suspension or testing of the metal. It is possible to see within the pierced hole that the coin is constructed of two sheets of silver with a copper alloy filling. Separately to this, the coin has filed or flattened edges at 12, 4, 6 and 9 o’clock on the obverse. Due to the thickness of the metal these do not reveal the base metal interior, though it is visible in a depression on the edge at about 3 o’clock.

Dimensions: 18.86mm in diameter, 2.26mm in thickness and 1.59g in weight. 

Discussion: The deliberate piercing of a coin effectively removes it from circulation as a monetary item thereby changing its use from coin to object and thus qualifying it as potential treasure. A number of pierced denarii have been recorded as Treasure on the PAS database. Such examples include KENT-6BD370 (2022 T370), SUR-8A6BFC (2020 T994), and HESH-CF94E8 (2019 T1251).

Although the coin is an ancient forgery, the technique used makes it likely that the amount of silver is in excess of 10% of the total weight of the object and the outer silver casing is of solid and stable construction despite the corroded interior filling.

Conclusion: The age and precious metal content of this pierced coin meet the criteria for Treasure under the terms of the Treasure Act 1996. 
Ruler: Augustus
Denomination: Denarius (Empire)
Material: Silver
Mint: Lugdunum
Mintmark: IMP X
Obverse: Bare head of Augustus, right.
Obverse legend: AVGVSTVS DIVI . F
Reverse: Bull butting right.
Dated: -15.0 to -13.0
Weight (g): 1.59
Diameter (mm): 18.86
Thickness (mm): 2.26
Completeness: Incomplete
Preservation: Good
Parish: Restricted Access
District: Wychavon
County: Worcestershire
Region: West Midlands
Place known as: Drakes Broughton and Wadborough
Discovery method: Metal detector
RIC reference: ric.1(2).aug.167A
Notes: Found in close proximity to Treasure case 2022 T551.