Ancient Roman Silver Denarius of the Republic Style

This item is a small, circular coin-like object appearing to be a Roman Republican denarius or a modern reproduction. The obverse features a relief of a profile head facing right, wearing a radiate crown or possibly a winged helmet representative of Roma. The material appears to be a silver-toned base metal or low-grade silver alloy, displaying a heavy dark grey patina consistent with oxidation. The strike is somewhat off-center and features crude, rounded edges. The surface exhibits significant pitting and granular texture, which could indicate casting rather than striking if it is a reproduction, or severe environmental corrosion if authentic. There is visible wear on the high points of the relief, such as the cheekbone and crown, where a lighter, yellowish metallic substrate (possibly brass or bronze) is beginning to show through, suggesting this may be a plated replica rather than solid silver. The lack of sharp detail in the hair and peripheral lettering further indicates significant wear or a soft strike. While it captures the aesthetic of the 2nd to 1st century BCE Roman coinage, the porous surface and visible base metal are key factors for further scientific testing to determine authenticity.