A SPVRI without the I

[Jason23]

This is a curious coin that I picked up recently.  It is missing the I in SPVRI, and could well be a die error.  But despite some deep diving - not too deep, one has to come up for air - I have not to date been able to find a parallel, but will keep looking, as one does.

Nonetheless it is a pleasing coin in hand, with a lovely tone.  I don't have a complete SPVRI in my collection, but equally I didn't want to spurn this coin (I can hear the groans on that pun).

A. SPVRI, 139BC

AR denarius (18.6mm, 4.00g, 1h), Rome mint

Obv: Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, X.

Rev: Luna in biga r., holding reins in l. hand and goad in r. hand; below, A.SPVR ligated; in exergue, ROMA.

Craford 230/1; Sydenham 448, BMCRR Rome 910

Ex CNG, Electronic Auction 571, 25 September 2024, lot 663.

[HumbleScribe]

The I in SPVRI did not register when the coin was struck. I believe I have found a reverse die match:

 

Source: Roma Numismatics E-Sale 28, lot 338.

 

Edited January 2 by HumbleScribe

[akeady]

I think HumbleScribe is right and it's a filled die - the I is almost invisible on mine, which is from a different die:

Happy New Year!

Aidan.

[Jason23]

11 hours ago, HumbleScribe said:

The I in SPVRI did not register when the coin was struck. I believe I have found a reverse die match:

 

Source: Roma Numismatics E-Sale 28, lot 338.

 

Thanks for this! I like this thinking, which is what I thought originally as well, but because the I is so completely missing at such a distance from the R, I was led down the path of thinking differently.  But I agree that is an excellent die match from the Roma sale, thanks for sharing.  

[Jason23]

7 hours ago, akeady said:

I think HumbleScribe is right and it's a filled die - the I is almost invisible on mine, which is from a different die:

Happy New Year!

Aidan.

Thanks Aidan, and a Happy New Year to you also!