UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Mid 3rd-early 4th centuries. 'Quinarius' (Gold, 17 mm, 2.92 g, 1 h), imitating Septimius Severus, 193-211, and Julia Domna, 193-217. [...]RUII[.]VS IMP Laureate head (or bust?) of Septimius Severus to left. Rev. IVLIA Λ[.]TAD Draped bust of Julia Domna to left. Holed and with a bump on the edge, otherwise, good fine.


This is one of just two coins in the Aurum Barbarorum Collection to imitate a Roman dynastic issue, here in the form of a small 'quinarius' of Septimius Severus and Julia Domna (the other being lot 791 above, a 'heavy aureus' with a weight of 11.74 g). What makes this piece especially charming is the lovely 'barbaric' style of the portraits, especially that of Julia Domna, who is shown with wild and long flowing hair - an image that is in complete contrast to her rather static and severe Roman portraits.