UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Mid 3rd-early 4th centuries. 'Heavy Aureus' (Gold, 18 mm, 11.74 g, 10 h), imitating Septimius Severus, 193-211, and Julia Domna, 193-217. S∾IV Laureate head (or bust?) of Septimius Severus to right. Rev. Draped bust of Julia Domna to right; before, uncertain symbol. Cf. Calicó 2587-2588 (for prototype). A minor flan fault on the obverse and with the original suspension loop somewhat deformed and broken, otherwise, very fine.


Even among the many exotic imitations in the Aurum Barbarorum Collection, this piece is highly unusual. At no less than 11.74 g, it is almost double the weight of all the other 'aurei', which gives it the impression of a binio or 'heavy aureus'. Secondly, it is the only coin that has been cast, which perhaps indicates that its manufacturers were incapable of striking suck thick pieces of metal. And thirdly, it is one of just two pieces to imitate a Roman dynastic type - in this case, an aureus of Septimius Severus and Julia Domna struck in the year 201 (the other being lot 792 below).