Tetricus I, Romano-Gallic Emperor, 271-274. Antoninianus (Bronze, 18 mm, 2.48 g, 11 h), a contemporary imitation of an issue from Treveri, irregular mint, after 272. IM[P C TETR]ICVS P F AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Tetricus I to right. Rev. COMES AVG Victory standing front, head to left, holding wreath in her right hand and palm frond in her left. Cf. AGK (corr.) 1a, Cunetio 2602, Elmer 774 and RIC V.4 757 (for prototype). A beautiful imitation of wonderful style. The reverse a bit weak, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.


This beautifully executed imitation helps illustrate that many Gallic imitations of the period were not produced as outright forgeries. Its style is splendid yet only lightly imitative, and the flan is carefully prepared and well struck - almost more professional than the output of the official mint.