Julia Domna, with Caracalla and Geta as Caesar, Augusta, 193-217. Aureus (Gold, 19 mm, 7.47 g, 7 h), a contemporary imitation. IVLIA AVGVSTA Draped bust of Julia Domna to right. Rev. AETERNIT IMPERI Laureate and draped bust of Caracalla, on the left, facing draped bust of Geta, on the right. BMC 124-125 and pl. 56, 9 (same dies). For prototype, cf. Calicó 2653 and RIC 540. A very interesting and unusual piece. Very fine.


This is certainly one of the more curious imitations of Roman aurei out there. Exactly where it was produced is unclear: it is not part of the Aurum Barbarorum from north of the Danube, but whether it was struck in other 'barbaric' lands or within the Empire is currently impossible to say. It is worth noting, however, that the British Museum possesses two similar examples, both struck from the same pair of dies.