UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Late 3rd-early 4th centuries. 'Aureus' (Gold, 21 mm, 6.17 g, 1 h), 'Probus Group A'. Imitating Probus, 276-282. IIIIƆꓭIIHMԷOHBIISBFIIIIƆ Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Probus to left, holding spear over his right shoulder and shield on his left. Rev. HI / CIIII Victory driving slow quadriga to left, holding wreath in her right hand and palm frond in her left. Aurum Barbarorum II, 1900-1902 (less stylized). Cf. Calicó 4230 (for prototype). A beautiful coin with a particularly bold portrait. Original suspension loop broken off and with some scrapes on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.


Gothic artists loved to imitate Probus' Victory-in-quadriga-issue. This coin is very similar to Aurum Barbarorum II, 1900-1902, except more stylized and the legends are now totally blundered. Still, the emperor is perfectly recognizable and rendered with a beautiful portrait.