I don't often drift off into what are often referred to as Limes denarii but stumbled across this as a bargain basement space filler until I find an equivalent silver version. Septimius Severus limes Denarius Obv:– L SEPT SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX. Laureate head right Rev:– VOTIS / DECEN / NALI / BVS. Legend in 4 lines, all within wreath Copies a coin minted in Laodicea-ad-Mare. A.D. 194 Reference:– Copies RIC IV 520a I only one other limes of Septimius Severus and it is also a scarcer type. Septimius Severus limes denarius Obv:– L SEPT SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX, laureate head left Rev:– IVST-ITIA, Justitia (Justice) seated left with patera & scepter Minted in style of Laodicea-ad-Mare. A.D. 199-202 Reference:– Copies RIC 505. Copies RSC 251 I know that Doug has a couple of examples similar to this second coin. It leads me to a question that has bugged me for years. Why is it that the limes version of what we currently consider scarce or rare types are so readily available or at least more available then their original counterparts? Martin
There is a decent definition here:- https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=limes denarius
Thats a nice one with a great reverse. I only have the one below. Could be silver that's real dark, not sure. Septimius Severus (193 - 211 A.D.) Æ Denarius O: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right. R: FVNDAT-OR PACIS, Septimius standing left, holding branch. 2.7g 17mm RIC IV 265; BMCRE 330; RSC 205.
Here is one of my limes coins: Julia Domna Limes Denarius, ric 548 O: IVLIA AUGVSTA draped bust rt R: DIANA LVCIFERA, diana standing left holding torch 2.7 grams 17.5 grms
"Some examples still bear traces of a very thin silver wash... Termed Limes (Lim-ace) or coins of the borders, these may be another example of coins of necessity. They may also be officially sanctioned issues for use in regions where political unrest made it hazardous to ship large amounts of silver. These low value issues could have served troops on the front and been redeemable for good coinage when they returned to the stable regions."
Just like military emergency money. The US counter-stamped our currency with HAWAII in the territory of Hawaii during WWII in case it was overrun by Japanese. The US could cancel that currency should that happen. For the Romans, having valuable bullion coins in mass quantities traveling with a Legion, near hostle territory would be at risk with hostiles across the border. So, devalue the issue as token money that can be used in lieau of silver or gold. When you are away from the border, or hostile areas, then redeem the Limes for bonafide silver or gold coinage.
Ah yes. Add "cast in Gaul" to the question too. VIRTVS AVGVSTOR, S-C, Roma seated left holding Victory and parazonium, shield behind
I am not a schoolar, rather more of a pragmatist: IF I were running the show, and saw that the general population would ACCEPT token / Fiat currencies, then for given areas of conflict or accepting populations, I would use less costly, less risk token / fiat currencies. Cheaper for the Treasury to not HAVE to send silver/gold to a territory; and the population is still going on their merry way transacting trade and creating wealth. As to MORE Limes than Rare official issues... well, I would mint an "official run" of coins and inject that into the population. That becomes the "template" for coinage, then mint token / fiat coinage to support the local economies... I see one of the key 30,000 ft viewpoints is to create WEALTH and TRADE within the Empire. Token/Fiat currency is a cost savings method of facilitating that, especially in accepting populations or hostile territories. Just some thoughts...
