Why the Roman state was disinterested or unable to provide enough small coinage for minior transactions is unknown - but some possible explanations are civil war, distance, or simply disinterest.
Many imitations are very common; the imitative Constantinian issues from the Balkans, the imitative Claudius as'es from Britain and Spain, the counterfeit issues of Tetricus and other rebellious emperors.
Other imitations are more mysterious, like the so called 'limes denarii' - base metal denars struck by official mints.
Reverse: altar divided into four sections, · in each section; CON5-CRATIO
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 1.22 g
Reverse: Two Victories facing each other imitation of latin legend; I)I ?
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.66 g
Reverse: Inscribed banner standing between two bound captives
Die Orientation: -
Weight: -
Reverse: Two Victories juggling letters over altar of "X"-type design
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3 g
Reverse: SALVS REIPVBLICAE type reverse showing Victory left drags capitive, chi-roh in left field. No attempt at letters all I's
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 0.8 g
Reverse: NNNOONNNNOONNNNI
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.7 g
Reverse: Two Victories holding a shield not inscribed text is IIOSSII SISSIUISO
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 4 g
Reverse: should read "ART MAX P M T[R P VIIII]", two captives seated at foot of trophy
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.16 g
Reverse: Salus standing half left, sacrifcing over altar, holding anchor; ??AIT AVGG
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.7 g
Reverse: Pax standing half left, holding branch and scepter; PADV_DIO
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 2.41 g
Reverse: Spes standing half left, holding flower and her dress ??_X_A?? (SPES PVBLICA)
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 1.7 g
Reverse: Victory facing, head left, holding wreath in each hand; IIIIII / q
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 8 g