I got this the other day from eBay, pretty cheap ($10.50), knowing it had some problems. The ARAB ADIAB reverse made it worth a gamble, because that era is so interesting. Despite the problems, I thought it was still a fairly attractive example of this usually crude issue (judging from others I've seen online). Anyway, I thought I'd toss it out to the Forum to see if it is even real (I checked the Forgery Network and didn't find anything). I had trouble attributing it because the vital IMP information is mostly off the flan (below are the four possibilities). It has obviously been in jewelry - in addition to the flat spot on the rim (obverse), it has two very obvious mount-removal marks on the rims and some possible filing/smoothing as well. The weight concerned me as well, as it weighs 3.58 grams, kinda heavy for a SS denarius in my (limited) experience - the flan is small in diameter but thick. But I did find two of these types right around this weight (British Museum and a FORVM article (not one of Doug's). Anyway, here it is: Septimius Severus Denarius (c. 195-197 A.D.) Rome Mint L SEPT SEV PE [RT AVG IMP (V-VIII?)], laureate head right / ARAB AD[IAB] COS II PP, Victory walking left holding wreath and trophy. RIC 58 63a 64 or 76 (IMP No.) (3.58 grams / 17 mm)
