UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Late 3rd-early 4th centuries. 'Quinarius' (Gold, 18 mm, 3.00 g, 5 h), 'Probus Group D'. Imitating Probus, 276-282. IՒSICDI[...]IDDONIT8IIS Radiate and draped bust of Sol to right. Rev. OIPPI Victory driving fast biga to left, holding branch in her right hand and reins in her left. A magnificent, unexpected and beautiful piece. Original suspension loop broken off and with a few light scratches, otherwise, good very fine.




Aurum Barbarborum can be so surprising! We know this reverse from lot 1905 above (albeit slightly changed), yet the obverse does not show the emperor, but a bust of Sol. This is derived from the aurei of Probus showing the sun god on the reverse, most likely of Calicó 4202, from which the Germanic artist carefully copied the angle of the rays and of the neck drapery.