★ An impressive 'aureus' imitating Septimius Severus ★

UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Mid 3rd-early 4th centuries. 'Aureus' (Gold, 22 mm, 6.56 g, 8 h), 'Stern Group'. Imitating Septimius Severus, 193-211. IOVONOV OVAHOΛO Laureate head of Septimius Severus to right. Rev. IOVI ONUIO Victory advancing right, holding wreath in her right hand and palm frond in her left. A beautiful and unusually heavy piece with a very attractive portrait. Holed, otherwise, good very fine.

From the Aurum Barbarorum Collection.

This coin and lots 1866-1867 below were struck from the same pair of dies. The prototype for this impressive issue could be an early aureus of Septimius Severus from Rome (Calicó 2550-2551). It is worth noting, however, that the reverse is more reminiscent of the advancing victory from Elagabalus' VICTOR ANTONINI AVG-issue, which was produced in significant quantities and likely also reached the 'Barbaricum' (see Aurum Barbarborum I, 797-798).