UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Late 3rd-early 4th centuries. 'Quinarius' (Gold, 15 mm, 2.81 g, 12 h), 'Gordian Group'. Imitating Gordian III, 238-244. IMP GORDIANVS Laureate and draped bust of Gordian III to left. Rev. SLΔIAQVILASIID Eagle standing right with spread wings. Aurum Barbarorum I, 801 var. (differing reverse legend and eagle looking back). A fresh and exceptionally attractive piece with original suspension loop. Minor scrape on the obverse and with some bumps on the edge, otherwise, good extremely fine.


The dies of this wonderful small coin were crafted by the same artist who worked on the wonderful jugate 'aureus' in Aurum Barbarorum II, 1869, the cover piece, as well as on lot 2386 above. Originally believed to copy Roman consecration issues, the eagle is in fact likely derived from tetradrachms from Antiochia on the Orontes in Syria (see Aurum Barbarborum II, 1870-1871).