D. Silanus L.f, 91 BC. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.92 g, 12 h), brockage mint error, Rome. SALVS Diademed head of Salus to right; in field to right, Θ; all within torque. Rev. Incuse of obverse. Cf. Babelon (Junia) 18, Crawford 337/2c and Sydenham 645. Struck from a somewhat worn obverse die, otherwise, very fine.



This piece offers a particularly clear illustration of how brockage mint errors occur: during striking, a coin becomes lodged in the reverse die, leaving an incuse impression on the reverse of the next blank. In this example, it is evident that the coin which remained stuck had been struck with the same obverse die: as on the obverse, the 'S' of SALVS appears only faintly in the incuse image as well, due to the advanced wear of the die.