Elagabalus and his big black rock, a lime denarius with multiple die match.

I've never gave a thought about limes denarius, and only bought it now because it shows the stone of Emesa on the quadriga. I would never pay 1-2k on a silver coin, but a limes denarius featuring this event seemed to be a must have, and it was also cheap.

The above image I took after i received the coin, after lightly cleaning the gunk I took the below image under sunlight which popped up more details,


Elagabalus. AD 218-222. Æ ‘Limes’ Denarius 2.3 gm. Obv: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev: SANCT DEO SOLI, ELAGABAL in exergue, quadriga right bearing stone of Emesa upon which is an eagle; four parasols around.

But what's more interesting is that I came across similar listings on Vcoins and Forvmancient coins that look really similar to my coin, in fact double die matches!


This led me into a rabbit hole and happened to come across more of these limes denarii made from the same dies!

From Savoca 12th blue auction, lot 1602 (2018)


From CNG E-auction 324, lot 428 (2014)


Another one from CNG, but from 2004,

And last but not least, I think I've found the official silver issue with the same elements! which should mean the other imitations have been made using official dies!

https://www.vcoins.com/it/stores/sr...f_emperor_elagabalus__218_ad/1075118/amp.aspx




Probably my exciting find of the year!

 

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Very nice!

 

The same flan shapes and same off-center positioning means that they were cast.