UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Late 3rd-early 4th centuries. 'Quinarius' (Gold, 16 mm, 2.86 g, 11 h), 'Derived Gordian Group B'. ƆIIIƆ CIIIC Laureate imperial head to right. Rev. NIƆNIƆI SƆ / CU Uncertain figure, perhaps helmeted, seated to left, holding rudder on globe (?) in its right hand and spear in its left. A very charming piece of beautifully abstract style. Original suspension loop broken off and with minor scratches, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.


What exactly the reverse of this lovely coin shows is impossible to say. The figure appears to be seated to the left on a shield, a wheel or a stylized curule chair, it is perhaps helmeted and holds a rudder in its right hand and, certainly, a spear in its left. Clearly there is a multitude of elements from Roman prototypes incorporated here, the most likely of which are distant reflections of attributes of Fortuna and Roma.