Roman Empire - Fouree Denarius of Severus Alexander (Ca. 223AD)

Offered is a fairly sophisticated 'fouree,' or contemporary counterfeit of a Mars type Denarius of Severus Alexander (222-235AD). This piece bears good reverse detail, and even today gives the appearance of a regular Denarius which has been deposited in acidic soil - it is unusual to find fourees with so much of their original plating intact. Careful examination of the edge however, reveals that this coin has a copper core, which has been silver plated. All in all, a fascinating piece from a turbulent period in Roman history.