UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Late 3rd-early 4th centuries. 'Aureus' (Subaeratus, 19 mm, 2.54 g, 6 h), imitating Probus, 276-282, and Trajan Decius, 249-251. [...] Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Probus to left, holding shield on his left shoulder. Rev. [...] Moesia standing facing, head to left, holding olive branch in her right hand and Victory-tipped scepter in her left, between bull standing right on the left and lion standing left on the right. Aurum Barbarorum I & II -. A very interesting and unusual piece. Holed and with breaks in plating, otherwise, good fine.


In spite of its poor condition, this is quite an exciting piece. The obverse is clearly derived from aurei of Probus, yet the reverse copies Decius' provincial sestertii from Viminacium showing Moesia between a bull and a lion, the symbols of the Legio VII Claudia and Legio IIII Flavia! As such, it is a crossover of different groups outlined in Aurum Barbarorum II, namely the 'Probus', 'Plated' and 'Provincial' groups.