UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. 5th century. Solidus (Gold, 21 mm, 4.40 g, 6 h), imitating Theodosius II, 402-450. D N THEOOO-SIVS P E AVG Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Theodosius II facing slightly to right, holding spear in his right hand and with a shield decorated with horseman attacking a fallen foe over his left shoulder. Rev. VOT XXX MVLT XXXX Z / CONOB Constantinopolis seated left, resting her left foot on prow, holding globus cruciger in her right hand and scepter with her left; shield at her side; in field to right, star. Cf. Depeyrot 81/1 and RIC 257 (for prototype). A beautifully struck imitation of lovely style. Extremely fine.


An interesting minor detail about this coin is the decoration of the shield on the obverse, which unlike the rest of the coin is of curiously wild style - as if the Germanic artist decided to give the otherwise rather static copy at least here a personal touch.