UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Mid 3rd-early 4th centuries. 'Aureus' (Gold, 20 mm, 7.05 g, 11 h), imitating Macrinus, 217-218, or Maximinus I (235-238). CIIIISIIIICIIICCOICIICIISIIICIIIC (counterclockwise and read outwardly) Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Macrinus or Maximinus I to right. Rev. SCIVICOSVI VI[...]OSIIISIIII Mars advancing right, holding inverted spear in his right hand and trophy in his left. Holed and with numerous small marks, otherwise, very fine.


Coins like this one remind us that Barbarian imitations sometimes just broadly follow Roman prototypes and often mix up types. Here we have a portrait that is reminiscent of Macrinus or Maximinus I, but the reverse was probably copied from an aureus of Severus Alexander.