© Leu Numismatik
© Leu Numismatik
1 Aureus - Imitating a Later Barracks Emperor
| Gold | 5.64 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Uncertain Germanic tribes |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Years | 290-325 |
| Value | 1 Aureus |
| Currency | Aureus (circa 150-325) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 5.64 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#188894 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Person with bird-like head riding a wolf-headed, multi-legged horse to the right, all surrounded by legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering: O - [...]II8OCII - CH8IH - E
Edge
Plain
Comment
While the coin is most definitely imitating a piece from the later barracks emperors, the Barbarian engraver included multiple person-touches on the reverse, including the chimera person and chimera horse with multiple legs, either showing the horse in action or imitating a creature from mythology, similar to the Norse Sleipnir.The exact lettering of the surrounding legend may vary.
The vast majority of Aureus and Quinarius pieces from the Uncertain Germanic tribes are either holed or have a suspension loop attached. This implies that, while these were coins, these imitations were mainly meant for jewelry rather than to be spent.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it is a non-circulating coin, meaning it was not meant to be used as a form of payment or currency, but rather as a collector's item or a symbol of power.
