Ave!

Vespasian, Denarius, Augur with Priestly Implements, Contemporary Imitation

Silver plated; 17mm/3.1gm          Rome Mint, Struck ca. 72-73 AD.

Con/ A beautiful coin with a spectacular portrait of the grumpy emperor. Struck off-center on the reverse, otherwise, about Very Fine. 

Obv/ IMP CAES VESP PM COS IIII; laureate head right.

Rev/ AVGVR above, TRI POT below; four priestly implements: simpulum, aspergillum, jug and lituus.

Ref/ RIC Vol II, 42 var.

Seller's Note/ Most unusual is that it this is a Contemporary Imitation (Fourrée Denarius). Most likely the counterfeiters were official mint employees making some extra money on the side. A risky business, for sure!