UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Aurum Barbarorum. Late 3rd-early 4th centuries. 'Aureus' (Gold, 18 mm, 5.13 g, 12 h), 'Derived Gordian Group C'. NOIIION-YVIOHYOII Laureate, draped and cuirassed imperial bust to left, seen from behind. Rev. NIONI[II]IIOHO Female figure advancing right, holding cornucopiae in her right hand and uncertain object in her left. Aurum Barbarorum II, 1883 (same dies, but obverse recut). Aurum Barbarorum III, 2391 (same dies, but obverse recut). A beautiful piece with a very distinct portrait. Small die break on the obverse and likely with a plugged hole at 12 o'clock, otherwise, very fine.


This coin forms an interesting group with lot 398 below, Aurum Barbarorum II, 1883 and Aurum Barbarorum III, 2391. All of these coins were struck from the same dies, however, the dies were recut due to heavy usage. This coin shows the earliest die stage, with a fine style portrait, single eye, neat laurel wreath and clearly cut imitative legends. Aurum Barbarorum II, 1887 and Aurum Barbarorum III, 2391, on the other hand, were struck from a recut obverse die with a second eye, reworked laurel wreath and wilder haircut. Eventually, the reverse die wore down as well, and it was thus also recut in clumsier style and with additional letters, as evidenced by lot 398 below.