UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Mid 3rd-early 4th centuries. 'Aureus' (Gold, 19 mm, 6.46 g, 6 h), 'Stern Group'. Imitating Hadrian, 117-138. NVN[...] NIΛNΛVN Laureate head of Hadrian to right. Rev. N[...]IIΛIIIΛΛΛI IVNΛNVNΛNVN Uncertain figure standing front, head to left, holding eagle or flower (?) in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left. Holed, otherwise, very fine.


Much like 1st century aurei, and for similar reasons, imitations of Trajan and Hadrian are very rare. The portrait on this coin is clearly reminiscent of the latter and surprisingly elegant in its bulkiness.