UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Aurum Barbarorum. Late 3rd-early 4th centuries. 'Aureus' (Gold, 16 mm, 3.08 g, 6 h), derived from the 'Stern Group'. Imitating Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. ΓOWXTC - OXTWXO Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius to right. Rev. SWOWXIWTOWTWOXO (starting at 1 o'clock) Draped figure standing front, head to left, both arms outstretched. Pierced and with light scratches, and likely somewhat clipped, otherwise, very fine.


Highly stylized issues like this one allow for little more than the identification of the emperor, who must be Marcus Aurelius. The legends and the reverse type, however, are abstract to a degree that is as charming as it is devolved.