I was fixing broken links and images in this old post and I had to take a look at the bes or 2/3s coin = 8 unciae (RRC 266/3). When I see an old post is getting traffic, I will try if I can to check it is still working and correct what I can.
This led me to notice that the Tübingen and BNF specimens of this rare bronze type have a similar cut on the face of Bacchus. Similarly placed as well, but not exact. I suspect they may even have been made with the same tool.
Why cut the face of a bronze?! It cannot be plated or faked in that way. And it wouldn’t be mistaken for worn Roman silver with a weight of between 10-12 grams.
Is it to cancel it? Is it because the moneyer’s name is associated with Brutus and murder of Julius Caesar? Some other reason did it need to cancelled or counter-marked in some way?
Here’s the nicest specimen know:
Liv Mariah Yarrow 