In sorting through my coins today, I found this Julia Domna Denarius that I never catalogued. The problem is the weight. This coin only weighs in at 2.0g/18mm. There is one like it on Barry Murphy's Severan Collection that weighs in at 3.57g. What do you think? Maybe there was a reason I never catalogued this coin? Julian Domna AR Denarius OBV: IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right REV: L-AETI-TIA, Laetitia standing left, holding wreath in right hand, anchor in left Laodicea mint, 198-202AD RIC IV 641
Looks OK to me. Probably because of the porosity that gives it that low weight. One of my lowest weight denarii, weights 2.1g. Bought it even though it was porous. I liked the look of it's porosity.
My Laodicea Laetitia is 3.3g but porosity is a major diet drug for coins. My personal collection for this mint tops out at 3.5g but I see on on acsearch at 3.9g. I believe these can be expected to vary from high 2's to high 3's without getting porous.
In hand I do not see casting bubbles. however, I've tried to make the images larger so perhaps everyone can make up their own mind:
Its fine. Note that copper spot on the reverse at 4-5 o clock on the rim by the A. Plus there is a spot at 12 o clock on the obverse. Its just Porous. Nothing to worry about. Sometimes faults can be attractive & a welcome addition.
I suppose then I shall catalogue it. I was just concerned about the weight. Truly, in-hand, it is a fine looking coin. As I said, I just happened upon it today, so it's like my first "new" coin in over 90 days. I almost feel giddy.
The crack appears as a hangnail just below the bust but certainly the coin needs to be examined closely for edge 'problems'.
The crack seems to continue on both sides; however, there is a crack (very faint) on the obverse near the 11 o'clock position that does not seem to carry thru to the reverse.
