Roman Imperial Silver Denarius, Augustus (not authenticated)

This digital image displays a listing photograph of a small circular silver coin, presented as a Roman imperial denarius showing both the obverse and reverse sides. The physical characteristics visible in the photograph include a metallic silver color with darker areas of toning or potential surface residue in the recessed details. The obverse side displays a right-facing male profile head with short hair, consistent with classical depictions of Augustus. The reverse side features a mythological sea-goat or Capricorn facing right, carrying a cornucopia on its back and holding a globe attached to a rudder, with clear capital lettering below reading 'AVGVSTUS'. The edge and surface show irregular wear, minor pitting, and flattening typical of ancient struck coinage. The user supplies an unverified attribution describing the piece as a Roman imperial denarius of Emperor Augustus minted circa 18-16 BC. This description is based purely on the digital screenshot provided and remains unauthenticated, as physical inspection, precise weighing, metallurgical testing, and expert numismatic certification are required to determine the nature and authenticity of the piece.

Based on the provided digital image, I observe a small circular silver-colored coin displaying a male profile on the obverse and a Capricorn with a cornucopia, globe, and the text 'AVGVSTUS' on the reverse. Per user submission, this piece is attributed as a Roman imperial silver denarius of Emperor Augustus, minted circa 18-16 BC. From a photograph alone, I cannot weigh the item, examine the edge seam, or conduct metallurgical testing. The visible wear, minor pitting, and toning are consistent with ancient struck coinage, but such characteristics can also be simulated on modern copies. Assuming the owner's attribution is correct, comparable Roman denarii featuring this popular Capricorn reverse type typically sell in the $300 to $600 range in the current numismatic market, highly dependent on the quality of the strike, centering, and surface preservation. However, this valuation relies entirely on the working assumption of its age and origin. If physical inspection determines the coin is a later reproduction, replica, or cast copy, its value would be purely nominal, likely under $20. To accurately ascertain the nature of this piece, an in-person examination and physical weighing by a qualified numismatic expert would be required.