© Leu Numismatik
© Leu Numismatik
1 Aureus - Imitating Probus,
| Gold | 3.85 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Uncertain Germanic tribes |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Years | 276-325 |
| Value | 1 Aureus |
| Currency | Aureus (circa 150-325) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 3.85 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#189030 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Emperor standing facing left holding scepter in his left hand and placing his right on a shield, all with kneeling Barbarians around and surrounded by legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
ECM CE CEICEIESO
MISEM
Edge
Plain
Comment
The prototype for this piece is extremely rare, and the choice of prototype is rather unflattering for a Barbarian imitation, as it depicts four defeated Barbarians. It is likely the engravour did not understand the meaning of the prototype or the meaning did not concern the maker.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 wealth and power.
