hi there. when talking to my friend and showing my collection he said ive had an unknow quite some years.. never known what it was so would be nice if you could have a look. after a months or so he has finally got round to venturing back with the coin.. it's actually a really nice looking item, has had some mileage but in great condition still. yeah any info help or advice would be amazing.. as you have not let me down so far thanks
Replica of an "elephant denarius" of Julius Caesar made by Westair Reproductions Limited, available here, along with some other fun things.
Roman Collector nailed it. The coin you have is a replica of an 'elephant denarius'. The WRL on the reverse is a dead giveaway that the coin is not genuine. Nonetheless, it's a cool piece to have in a collection and show to people. This coin is very popular and historically significant since it was minted unofficially by Julius Caesar and his traveling military mint from 49 BC to 48 BC. He used this coin, among others, to pay his soldiers during military campaigns, before crossing the Rubicon and becoming emperor of Rome. This is what a genuine 'elephant denarius' looks like.
http://www.westair-reproductions.com/Roman/Twelve+Caesars+Denarius+Coin+Pack.html Westair changes their products now and then. 12 Caesars fans will want the above set. We get several WRL inquiries but many are the same old favorites like the elephant (now available as a necklace) rather than the high pound sets. Some pay thousands for the set available here for £16.25 if their being fakes is not a concern. Most of these were sold at gift shops.
At the risk of splitting hairs, I would point out that Westair's offerings are not forgeries or counterfeits. They are intentionally and specifically reproductions of ancient coins, similar to reproductions of famous works of art (e.g., the Mona Lisa, Dali's Persistence of Memory, etc.). They are clearly labeled as such. Personally, if I were a grade-school child interested in ancient coins, I would love having some of their reproductions.
These are the coin equivalent of the postcards of oil paintings sold in the same gift shops. They become fakes only when someone decides to upgrade the item by replacing the descriptive tags or cards with a claim to their being something the manufacturer never intended. By themselves, these are reproductions. Add greed and malice and they become dangerous to those who do not know better.
@Vivian- post that in its own thread, with pictures. It has nothing to do with this particular discussion.
