COIN (ROMAN)

Possibly a plated copy of a Roman Republican denarius by the moneyer Brutus (M Iunius Brutus).



Mint of Rome, 54 BC



RRC (Crawford) 433/1



There are two small perforations - possible evidence for re-use as a pendant? The perforations were made just below the feet of the lictors and Brutus and might indicate that it was worn on a neclace in such a fashion that the wearer could see the reverse coin the right way around (looking down) but not the onlooker standing in front of the wearer.

Ruler: Republic
Moneyer: Junius Brutus, M.
Denomination: Denarius (Roman Republic)
Material: Silver
Mint: Rome
Mintmark: none
Obverse: [LIBERTAS]; Head of Libertas facing right
Obverse legend: none
Reverse: Brutus, between two Lictors carrying fasces, walking left
Reverse legend: none
Dated: -54.0 to 
Weight (g): 2.65
Diameter (mm): 19.0
Thickness (mm): 1.0
Parish: Whalley
District: Ribble Valley
County: Lancashire
Region: North West
Discovery method: Metal detector
RRC reference: rrc-433.1
Notes: 
The British Museum clarified its advice on modified coins in April 2017. Single precious metal coins from the Iron Age to AD 1180 which have been modified in any way, including by a single piercing, are now thought to fulfil the criteria for Treasure because they should be regarded as single precious metal objects. This item was recorded before the advice was clarified, otherwise it would have been reported as potential Treasure.