UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Mid to late 3rd century. 'Aureus' (Gold, 18 mm, 4.00 g, 7 h), imitating Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. CVXNU[...] CVIUTIVCIXNV Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius to right. Rev. [...]ITIXIVIII[.]XIII[.]VՒNIIIIΓD / OIII[...] Fortuna or Roma seated left, holding rudder (?) in her right hand; below throne, wheel or shield. Holed and with numerous bangs and scratches, otherwise, fine.


This is a particularly battered and damaged piece, but the style of the dies is actually surprisingly neat, indicating that it is a rather early imitation. However, it was obviously made by a Barbarian artist with no understanding of Latin, and the many Roman numerals (X. V and I) in the legends almost create the impression that he was making fun of the Roman habit of putting so many dates on coins.