Constantine the Great
 

"Barbarous" Coinage of the Fourth Century
Barbarous copy
            of a Constantinian VLPP

    The term ‘barbarous coinage’ refers to imitative coins which are often crude in style. There are several theories about the origins of these coins but the easiest and possibly best explanation is that they were minted because of a shortage of official coinage.  This easy explanation surely does not answer every question though, like why fourth century imitations do not turn up as often (in comparison to rest of the Empire) in what is now Spain, even though the  diocese of Hispaniae did not have a mint. So there are no easy answers or maybe there are some aspects of this that historians are missing. Firmicus Maternus, who lived in the fourth century, even said that an alignment of the stars and planets influenced forgery. Maternus was probably wrong, though!
 

Mars allots 20 months to Mercury. When Mercury accepts these months he rouses certain dangers from things written, or he inflicts loss from forgeries. But often he will have enemies destroyed in various ways. If Mercury and Venus are in conjunction, in square aspect, or in opposition, they indicate the crimes of forgery and counterfeiting, especially if Mercury is found in the house or terms of Saturn.          Ancient Astrology: Theory and Practice 35:6.
     This page is about unofficial coinage in the fourth century, specifically the time between A.D. 318- 363. The production of these coins during this period occurred mainly in the outskirts of the Empire-- Britain, Gaul and the Danube, and this page will later look at the Danube region, specifically the Middle Danube. This page will also focus on struck coins versus cast copies-- even though some coins of this type were cast. Coins have been copied practically since the first one was minted. There are two terms in use to describe how widespread counterfeiting was-- endemic and epidemic.1 Endemic is typified by smaller outbreaks and although somewhat sporadic, was almost always present to some extent. Epidemic counterfeiting was on a large scale and generally over a large area. The time period 318- 363 had five periods of epidemic counterfeiting.2 The first was after the monetary reform of Constantine in 318 and lasted until 330. This reform included adding more silver to the VLPP coinage (the imitative/counterfeit VLPP's are the real focus of this page). Other coins that were commonly copied during this first period were VIRTVS EXERCIT, BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, VOTA, SARMATIA and PROVIDENTIAE coins. The second period started during the last years of Constantine's reign and ended between 342 and 348. Some common counterfeits were GLORIA EXERCITVS, VRBS ROMA and CONSTANTINOPOLIS types. The third period came after the reform of 348 which introduced the maiorina and the commonly copied coins were the various FEL TEMP REPARATIO types. The fourth period followed the usurpation of Magnentius in A.D. 350, GLORIA ROMANORVM and VICTORIAE coins were some of the common types counterfeited. The last period of epidemic counterfeiting occurred after the fall of Magnentius. The maiorinae was replaced by the half maiorinae and the FEL TEMP fallen horseman types were the most common type counterfeited. Counterfeiting of bronze coins still happened after this time but declined greatly due to the introduction of the siliqua.
 

 

Epidemic outbreaks of counterfeiting A.D. 318- 363

dates
reasons for counterfeiting
A.D. 318 -330
monetary reform of Constantine--new VLPP have circa 4% silver
circa 335 - between 342 to 348
in 335 A.D., the number of nummi to a pound was raised to 192
A.D. 348
introduction of the maiorina
A.D. 350
usurpation of Magnentius
A.D. 354
after the fall of Magnentius, the maiorinae was replaced by the half maiorinae


Counterfeits





  I have used various terms to describe these coins, but I believe that there are distinctions. "Unofficial" is a good blanket term for any coin that was not struck officially-- then there are counterfeits and imitations. Counterfeits were made to fool people and circulate as official coinage. Some of these coins do indeed look official and would pass casual inspection. In fact, it seems most likely that some of these counterfeiters worked in the mint, as evidenced by this announcement from Constantine in A.D. 321--

"Since some imperial minters are secretly and criminally engaged in the coinage of counterfeit (adulterinus) money, all shall know that the necessity is incumbent on them of seeking out such men, that they be tracked down and delivered to the courts, so that they may forwith betray the accomplices of their deeds through torture and thereupon be sentenced to suitable punishments."  Theodosian Code 21:2
 So some of these coins were minted in an attempt to deceive. The large amount of these copies is “indicative of the heavy overtariffing of the official coinage.”3 This meant that people could make copies of the official coinage for less than the official money was worth. The official VLPP had as much as 3-5% silver, while the previous coinage that was de-monetized had around 1-3% silver.  If someone made imitations by melting down the old coins, a nice profit could be made.4 You could actually make money hand over fist!5  People at the time were very aware that bronze coins had silver in them. There is even a law from A.D. 349 aimed at mint employees removing silver from bronze coins.
We have learnt that many metalworkers (flaturarii) are purging the maiorina coin (maiorina pecunia) no less criminally than frequently by separating off the silver the bronze. Therefore, if anyone is caught in this operation from now on let him know that he is to suffer capital punishment, and indeed those who own the house or land that they are to be punished by the confiscation of property to the largitiones: Our Clemency is naturally to be informed of the names. Theodosian Code 21:6


     Some of these coins probably came from “well organized work-shops.”6  It appears that mint workers may have been able to "borrow" official reverse dies and use them in their workshops. The obverse dies( with the imperial portrait) were kept locked up when not in use. 7So some of these coins look very good in style and that is why I would call them counterfeits versus imitations-- as there seems to be intent to deceive. On the other hand, imitations would not have really fooled anyone because the style was often crude.These crude imitations would not have had to come from well-organized workshops, but could have been minted nearly anywhere...including a farm-- "if money should be secretly stamped and coined on a farm or at a house..." (Theodosian Code 21:4) Generally, imitations of coins from the first period, like the VLPP, were very close in size and usually about 4/5 of the weight. Sometimes these imitations were even silvered, just like the official issues. As time went on, the imitations became reduced in size and become very small. These small imitations are called minimissimi. It is not known for sure what any of these imitations(normal or reduced size) traded for, but a few hoards comprised of almost all imitations suggest that these coins were not worth as much as official coinage. 8

Map of
            locations of imitations from A.D. 330- 348 from J. P. Callu
            and J. P. Garnier

    The map is from the article written by J. P. Callu and J. P. Garnier. “Minimi constantiniens trouvés à Reims, Appendice II: Corpus des imitations.” Numismatica e Antichità Classiche 6 (1977) : 330- 315.  This map shows the locations of imitations from A.D. 330- 348.  The article lists the locations and types of imitations found, and the publication information of the finds, i.e. Numismatic Chronicle.
 


Imitations





    The fourth century was a time of great change in the Roman Empire. Many Germanic people were living in Roman territory. The Roman Empire needed the influx of people for labor, to farm the land and protect the borders from other Germanic people. During the reign of Constantius I, “the whole nation of the Carpi was transferred”(Aurelius Victor, De Caesaribus 39: 28) to Roman land. So some of these barbarous tribes actually lived in the Roman Empire, with many more near the borders or limes. The Romans called them foederati. The foederati  were allies of Rome, but not citizens. Circa 332, Constantine was victorious over the Goths and he converted them “from a lawless animal existence to one of reason and law. In this way the Goths learnt at last to serve Rome.”(Eusebius, Life of Constantine book IV, 5) so along the borders, the population was probably actually more ‘barbarian’ than Roman. These Roman borders were very porous, and there was a lot of movement back and forth, especially in the Middle Danube.

     Could Germans (living in Roman territory or near the limes) have minted some of these coins? Could these coins have been a form of notgeld (emergency coinage) or monnaie de nécessiteé? The area of the near the limes most likely to have seen these coins used would have been the Middle Danube ( now modern day SW Slovakia, S Moravia and lower Austria north of the Danube). This area was under "strong Roman influence as a result of its proximity to the Roman Empire."9 So,  yes...of course they could have minted these imitatives,since they were more than capable and had for many years been using Roman money. Tacitus (who wrote Germania in the first century A.D.) said that the Germanic tribes, “value gold and silver for their use in commerce, and are wont to distinguish and prefer certain of our coins. They like old-fashioned coins because they have been long familiar with them-- especially those which have notched edges and are stamped with representations of two-horse chariots.” (Tacitus Germania Book 5)  Tacitus also said that Germans only used coins as currency on the frontiers, while in the interior coins were treated as bullion. (Tacitus Annals 12:30)  The Germans are known to have made copies of denarii, aurei, siliquae and solidi, so it seems quite likely that they would have also minted imitations in bronze . 10There is also a clear picture of Germans using Roman products in the Middle Danube region. There are Roman imports of all kinds and not just luxury items (see fig. 1 below)-- in other areas of Barbaricum luxury goods usually only turn up in graves. Roman tableware is found and there is a widespread distribution of Roman pottery (some of which may have been only for export to the Germans, as it does not appear inside Roman territory) which demonstrates that Roman influence extended to all levels of Germanic society in the Middle Danube area (see fig. 2 below). There have even been buildings excavated that were built in the Roman style (hypocaust heating and one with a bath house) but apparently used by Germans. In the fourth century, Roman traders would have re-introduced coinage into this area. "Roman coins were not confined to transactions with Romans, but were used in exchanges between Germans as well, whereas in regions more distant from the frontier Roman coins were regarded as bullion rather than currency."11 There is also a high proportion of bronze to gold and silver (just like in Pannonia) which suggests everyday usage and the large number of coins that are found represents casual loss versus intentional hoarding.12

Many of these imitations are found along the limes, especially in the Danube and Balkans regions and it is reasonable to assume that wherever large amounts of imitations turn up, it is probably the vicinity that they were also minted.


both of the above figures are from Pitts, Lynn F. “Relations Between Rome and the German ‘Kings’ on the Middle Danube in the First to Fourth Centuries A.D.” JRS  79 (1989) : 45- 58.

    Many of these VLPP imitations (especially the Siscian ones) have crude legends. These imitative coins almost never got the Latin legends correct. This is no surprise ( if these coins were minted by Germans or for use by them), since most of the barbarians could not read or write Latin--they did not even have their own written language. Of course, it would have been easier for anyone making imitative coins to engrave only lines rather than actual letters. You also have to wonder what Germanic people, who did not read or write (and may not have even understood the concept), saw when they looked at the legends on a Roman coin. These people probably saw nothing more than curious designs or decorations. As a result, the engraver could use nonsensical symbols instead of Latin and no one cared. Remember also that by the Roman definition that is why they were barbarians. Barbarians were any people that did not read or write Latin (and especially those that wore pants!).13 The Romans used the term barbarian in a negative sense, though. It would probably be better to refer to this type of coinage as imitative rather than the term "barb". The people that produced these coins were not actually barbarians and really only wanted a better life for themselves and their family...and they saw opportunity in Rome.
 

    The stylistic differences on these coins makes more sense in the terms of a different culture. Some of the VLPP’s for example, bear little resemblance to the familiar figure of two victories holding a shield over an altar. To a Germanic engraver, this imagery would not have been quite so familiar, and so it became so highly abstract that one may have difficulty recognizing the original model. Maybe the engraver knew that the people that would use these coins would not know better or even care. Some examples seems to show that the engravers were copying previous barbarous issues instead of official versions of the VLPP-- as if they did not  care what the official coinage looked like. Sometimes the style is very good on these coins, but other times the style is so abstract that it is hard to tell what the engraver wanted to depict.  So even if these coins were not minted by ‘barbarians’, it seems plausible that the coins were meant to be used by the Germanic people and others.

    Why was the Siscian VLPP so widely copied? Constantine defeated Licinius in the 1st civil war in A.D. 317 and took over the territory of Siscia. He soon began striking the VLPP coinage; which was a reintroduction of a type Constantine struck after the defeat of Maxentius, though the earlier type was in billon. This new VLPP did have about 4% silver, versus the old IOVI coinage of about 2%; which Licinius continued to strike in his territory. So, almost overnight, people wanted Constantine's new and improved coinage. The mint of Siscia could not have struck coins fast enough. Sometimes you can even find IOVI coins overstruck with unofficial VLPP's, showing the immediate need for "good" coinage. It seems that Constantine's reuse of the "Eternal Prince" reverse was a shot at Licinius and his re-tarrifing was a further line in the sand. Constantine was basically saying that not only was Licinius a lesser Emperor, but his coinage was worthless. As widespread as unofficial VLPP's became, it seems that much of the Empire and surrounding areas agreed. Licinius eventually began striking his coinage at an even further reduced value (the reverse even said they were worth 12.5-- half of the regular nummus) and continued to lose support and his currency became almost worthless.
 



Roman Laws on Counterfeiting

    There were multiple laws passed condemning counterfeiting. The fact that so many laws were passed possibly tells a lot about what was going on. One law would indicate a problem...multiple laws meant that there was a much bigger problem. Part of the problem was the inability of the Imperial government to stop counterfeiting and this stemmed from the fact that on a local level, little or nothing was or could be done to stop the problem. For instance, in a province, the local authority might not care at all if the people minted stop-gap currency to alleviate a shortage of official coinage., after all what kept the people happy made for a peaceful province. Even if the local official wanted to stop illegal minting,  he may not  have had the manpower and/or resources to stop it. The further away from the Emperor, and the reach of the Emperor, the less of a problem counterfeiting imitatives probably seemed to people. It seems likely, that for the most part, imitatives were tolerated.
 

Theodosian Code 9:21:2
Since some imperial minters are secretly and criminally engaged in the coinage of counterfeit money, all shall know that the necessity is incumbent on them of seeking out such men, that they may be tracked down and delivered to the courts, so that they may forthwith betray the accomplices of their deeds through torture and thereupon be sentenced to suitable punishments. (20 November 321)

9:21:3
If any person should mold a coin by false casting, We command that all his property shall be confiscated to the fisc and that he shall be punished with statutory severity, in order that such zeal for coining money may prevail only in Our mints. (6 July 326)

9:21:4
It was formerly established as law that, if money should be secretly stamped and coined on a farm or at a house without the knowledge of the owner, the fisc should vindicate to its own ownership the seat of the crime. Now it is our pleasure that a distinction shall be made, namely that if the owner dwells…at a very long distance from the said house or landholding, he shall sustain no loss. (4 May 326)

9:21:5
A reward is offered to the accusers of any persons who can be found to be counterfeiters of solidi or who are brought before the public authorities by anyone for this crime. Such criminals shall be delivered to the consuming flames immediately and without delay. (18 Feb 343)

9:21:6
We have learned that some metal casters purge the majorina criminally and frequently, by separating the silver from the bronze. If any person hereafter should be apprehended in this trickery, he shall know that he has committed a capital crime. Also those persons who furnish the use of houses and lands to counterfeiters must be punished by the delivery of their property to the imperial largesses. Of course, Our Clemency must be informed of the names of such persons. (12 Feb 349)

9:21:9
Those persons guilty of making false money, who are commonly called counterfeiters, are held liable to the criminal charge of high treason. (27 June 389)



Assorted unofficial 4th century bronze coinage
note that the majority of coins are from Western mints, except for VLPP from Siscia; which were very highly copied. Scroll down for Siscian VLPP.






London
Constantine I
circa A.D. 321
18x19mm  3.1gm
CONSTA-NTINVS AVG; helmeted and cuirassed bust right.
BEATA TRAN-QVILITAS, globe set on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX; above, two stars; ✶ in left field.
In ex. PLON
Cf. RIC VII London 222

note the two stars at top instead of three and star in left field


Constantine I BEATA
                    TRANQVILITAS from London unofficial barb

Constantine I
Circa A.D. 319
17mm 2.1gm
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP
London

Constantine I VICTORIAE
                  LAETAE PRINC PERP London unofficial barb

Constantine I
circa A.D. 318- 319
18mm     3.3g
IMP CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG; laureate helmeted and cuirassed bust right.
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP; two Victories stg., facing one another, together holding shield/ wreath inscribed VOT PR on decorated altar.
In ex. PLN
cf. RIC VII London 154

Constantine I
                    VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP London unofficial barb

Constantine I
Circa A.D. 318- 319
17x18mm    2.9gm
CONSTA-NTINVS AVG; laureate helmet and cuirassed bust right.
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP; two Victories stg., facing one another, together holding shield inscribed VOT PR on altar inscribed with a diamond shape.
In ex. PLN
cf. RIC VII London 161

Constantine I
                    VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP London unofficial barb



Lyons
Constantine I
A.D. 322- 323
17x18mm    2.7g
CONSTANT-INVS AVG; laureate and cuirassed bust right.
BEATA TRA-NQVILITAS; globe set on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX; above, three stars; across fields C-R.
in ex. PLG•
RIC VII Lyons --

Constantine I
                  BEATA from Lyon unofficial



Constantine I
GLORIA EXERCITVS
15mm    1.3gm
Unofficial issue
Lyons
Constantine I or maybe a Caesar
GLORIA EXERCITVS Lyons
                  unofficial issue barb

Constantine II
Circa A.D. 324- 325
14mm    1.4gm
CONSTANTINVS IVN NOC; laureate and cuirassed bust left.
PROVID-EN CAES; campgate with two turrets and star between.
In ex. • PLG •
Constantine II campgate from Lyons unofficial
                  barb

VRBS ROMA/ Constantinopolis
Circa A.D. 330-331
16mm    1.9g
Obv. VRBIS ROMA; Roma, helmeted bust left, wearing imperial cloak.
Rev. Victory stg. on prow, holding long scepter in r. hand, and resting l. hand on shield, seen from side.
In ex. PLG
Cf. RIC VII Lyons 241, 242

Ex 1989 Nether Compton (Dorset) Hoard

VRBS ROMA/ Constantinopolis Lyon 1989 Nether
                    Compton (Dorset) Hoard

Constantine II
A.D. 330-331
16mm    1.5g
CONSTANTINVS IVNOB C; laureate and cuirassed bust right.
GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS; Two soldiers helmeted, stg. facing one another, reversed spear in outer hands, inner hands on shields resting on the ground; between them two standards.
In ex. •PLG
cf. RIC VII Lyons 244

Ex 1989 Nether Compton (Dorset) Hoard


Constantine II GLORIA EXERCITVS from
                    Lyons…unofficial…Nether Compton (Dorset) Hoard

Constantius II
Circa A.D. 350
13mm   1.4gm
D N CONSTANTIVS P F AV; pearl diademed, draped & cuirassed.
FEL TEMP [REPARATIO]; Soldier spearing fallen horseman.
In ex. CPL[G]
Constantius
                  II FEL TEMP from Lyons unofficial issue barb

Constantius II
A.D. 348- 350
21mm     5.0g
DN CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG; pearl-diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right.
FEL TEMP REPARATIO; Emperor in military dress stg. l., holding phoenix on globe and standard with [Chi-Rho]; in stern sits Victory, steering ship.
In ex. SLG
cf. RIC VIII Lyons 69

Freckenham Hoard of 1948

Constantius II FEL TEMP galley from Lyons
                    unofficial issue barb Freckenham hoard

Constans
A.D. 342- 343
13mm    1.1gm
CONSTANS P F AVG; rosette- diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
VICTORIA AVGVSTORV; Victory walking to left, holding wreath and palm.
In ex. SLG
cf. RIC VIII Lyons 37

Constans
                    VICTORIA AVGVSTORV from Lyons unoffical issue barb

Decentius
A.D. 350-3
23x24mm    3.8gm
DN DECENTIVS P AVG; rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right.
[FELICI]TAS PVBLICE; Emperor standing left holding Victory on globe in right hand and labarum.
In ex. RPLG
Decentius was never Augustus….Compare with RIC VIII Lyons 112 for Magnentius

Decentius FELICITAS PVBLICE Lyons unofficial
                    issue


Trier
Constantine I
Circa A.D. 318
16mm    2.6gm
IMP CONSTAN-TINVS [AVG]; high crested helmet, cuir., spear across r. shoulder, shield on left arm
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC P; two Victories stg., facing one another, together holding shield inscribed VOT PR on altar.
In ex. STR
Constantine I VICTORIAE
                  LAETAE PRINC P from Trier unofficial barb



Constantine I
BEATA TRANQVILLITAS
Circa A.D. 322
16x18mm 2.8gm
Constantine I BEATA
                  TRANQVILLITAS Trier unofficial issue barb

Constantine I
A.D. 322-323
18mm    3.2gm
CONSTAN- TINVS AVG, laureate, wearing trabea, holding eagle-tipped sceptre in right hand
BEATA TRAN-QVILLITAS, globe set on altar inscribed VO/TIS/XX; above, three stars.
In ex. PTR• 
Cf. RIC VII Trier 342
very good style

Constantine I BEATA
                    TRANQVILLITAS Trier unofficial issue barb


Constantine I
A.D. 322
18x19mm    2.6gm
CONSTAN-TINVS AVG; laureate, wearing trabea, holding eagle-tipped sceptre in right hand
BEATA TRAN-QVILLITAS; globe set on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX; above, three stars. 
in ex. PTR• 
Cf. RIC VII Trier 342

Constantine I BEATA
                    TRANQVILLITAS Trier unofficial issue barb

Constantine I
Circa A.D. 319
17x18mm 2.6gm
unofficial issue of a
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP
Cf. RIC VII Trier 208A
very good style for this unofficial issue

Constantine I VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP Trier unofficial issue barb

Constantine I
A.D. 318- 319
17mm   2.3gm
IMP CONSTAN-TINVS A[VG]; high-crested helmet, cuirassed, spear over right shoulder.
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP; two Victories stg., facing one another, together holding shield inscribed VOT PR on altar.
In ex. PTR
Cf. RIC VII Trier 208A

Constantine I
                    VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP Trier unofficial issue
                    barb

Constantine I
Circa A.D. 318
17mm   3.6gm
IMP CONSTANT-[INVS AVG]; high-crested helmet, cuirassed, spear over right shoulder.
VICTORIAE LAET P P; two Victories stg., facing one another, together holding shield inscribed TOV PR on altar with cross.
In ex. STR


Constantine I VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP Trier
                  unofficial issue barb

Constantine I
Circa A.D. 332-3
15x16mm   2.0g
CONSTAN-TINVS AVG; rosette-diadem, draped and cuirassed bust.
GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS; Two soldiers helmeted, stg. facing one another, reversed spear in outer hands, inner hands on shields resting on the ground; between them two standards.
in ex. TR • P
RIC VII Trier ---

Constantie I GLORIA
                    EXERCITVS Trier unofficial

Circa A.D. 335
16mm    2.2g
Obv. ?????? bust of Constantinopolis left.
Rev. Victory stg. on prow, holding long scepter in r. hand, and resting l. hand on shield; wreath in left field.
Cf. Trier 554

Ex 1989 Nether Compton (Dorset) Hoard

Constantinopolis Trier Ex 1989 Nether Compton
                    (Dorset) Hoard

Crispus
A.D. 321
18x19mm 3.2gm
IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, cuirassed, spear pointing forward, shield on left arm
BEATA TRAN-QVILLITAS, Globe set on altar insc. VOT/IS/XX; above three stars.
In exergue • STR •
Cf. RIC VII Trier 308

Crispus BEATA
                    TRANQVILLITAS Trier unofficial issue barb

Constantine II
Circa A.D. 326
15x16mm    1.7gm
ANEPIGRAPHIC; laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
CONSTAN/TINVS/CAESAR; legend in three lines; star above; P [?] on fourth line.
Cf. RIC VII Trier 489

Constantine II anepigraphic from Trier
                    unofficial issue barb

Constantine II
A.D. 321
16mm   2.1gm
CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C; laureate, draped, with victory on globe in right hand, mappa in left hand
BEATA TRANQVILLITAS; globe set on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX; above, three stars.
In ex. PTR
Cf. RIC VII Trier 312

Constantine II BEATA TRANQVILLITAS Trier
                    unofficial issue barb

Constantine II
A.D. 320-1
19mm     2.9gm
CONSTANTI-NVS IVN NC, Laureate, draped, Victory on globe in right hand, mappa in left hand.
VIRTVS-EXERCIT, Trophy standing on ground, captive seated on either side; T-F in fields.
In exergue PTR •

Constantine II VIRTVS EXERCIT from Trier
                    unofficial issue barb

Constantine II
Circa A.D. 333- 334
16x17mm   2.3gm
CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C; laureate and cuirassed bust right.
GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS; Two soldiers helmeted, stg. facing one another, reversed spear in outer hands, inner hands on shields resting on the ground; between them one standard inscribed with X.
in ex. PTR

besides the style issues, Trier did not issue this type with an X on standard and the mintmark PTR was not used for this issue. Also in an NGC slab as an official issue.


Constantine II GLORIA EXERCITVS from Trier
                    unofficial barb CNG

Constantine II
Circa A.D. 340
13x14mm   1.5gm
[FL IVL] CONSINNITVS AVG; laureate and cuirassed bust right.
[VIRTVS] IVGG NN; Virtus standing holding spear and resting hand on shield.
In ex. TRP
Constantine II VIRTVS AVGG NN from Trier
                  unofficial barb

Constantius II
Circa A.D. 332- 333
19mm    2.0g
FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C; laureate and cuirassed bust right.
REV: Victory stg. on prow, holding long scepter in r. hand, and resting l. hand on shield.
in ex.  TR•P

This coin is an unrecorded combination of dies, commonly referred to as a mule. Obverse is likely Trier 540 and the reverse is a Constantinopolis Trier 543. It is likely that this coin, though in very good style, is unofficial.


Constantius II mule with Constantinopolis
                    reverse

Constantius II
Before April 340
14x15mm 1.4gm
FL IVL CONSTANTIVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right.
VIRTVS AVGG NN, Soldier standing holding spear and resting hand on shield.
In ex. PTR

Constantius II VIRTVS AVGG NN from Trier
                  unofficial issue barb

Constans
Circa A.D. 348-350
20x21mm     4.3g
DN CONSTA-NS P F AVG; pearl diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right.
FEL TEMP REPARATIO; Emperor in military dress stg. l., holding victory on globe and standard with Chi-Rho on banner; in stern sits Victory, steering ship.
In ex. TRS
Cf. RIC VIII Trier 219

Constans FEL
                  TEMP galley from Trier unofficial barb

Constans
A.D. 347- 348
15mm    1.2gm
CONSTANS PF AVG; Diademed and cuirassed bust right.
VICTORIA DD AVGG Q NN; Two victories, holding wreaths upward, facing each other; Leaf between;
In ex. TRS in exergue.
Cf RIC VIII Trier 185  

die match with coin below


Constans
                    VICTORIA DD AVGG Q NN from Trier unofficial issue
                    barb

Constans
A.D. 347- 348
14x15mm    1.1gm
CONSTANS PF AVG; Diademed and cuirassed bust right.
VICTORIA DD AVGG Q NN; Two victories, holding wreaths upward, facing each other; Leaf between;
In ex. TRS in exergue.
Cf RIC VIII Trier 185

die match with coin above


Constans
                    VICTORIA DD AVGG Q NN from Trier unofficial issue
                    barb

Licinius II
A.D. 321
18x19mm   2.8gm
LICINIVS IVN NOB C; radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
BEATA TRAN-QVILLITANS; globe set on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX; above, three stars.
In ex. TR
Cf. RIC VII Trier 311

Licinius II
                    BEATA from Trier unofficial barb

Magnentius
A.D. 350-3
21x23mm     3.1g
D N MAGNENTIVS P F AVG; rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right.
FELICITAS REIPVBLICE; Emperor standing left holding Victory on globe in right hand and labarum, A in right field.
In ex. TRS

Magnentius FELICITAS REIPVBLICE from Trier
                  unofficial

Magnentius
Circa A.D. 350-3
20x23mm 5.2g
[IMP CAE MAGNENTIVS AVG] bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right; A behind.
[FELICITAS REIPVBLICE] Emperor standing left holding Victory on globe in right hand and labarum, A in right field.
In ex. TRS
cf. RIC VIII Trier 264

unofficial issue
Magnentius FELICITAS REIPVBLICE from Trier
                  unofficial

Magnentius
Circa A.D. 350-3
18x20mm    3.1g
DN MAGNEN-TIVS PF AVG; bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right; A behind bust.
VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE; two Victories holding wreath inscribed with VOT V MVLT X supported by column.
In ex. [TR]P
Trier

Magnentius VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE from
                    Trier unofficial issue barb

Magnentius
A.D. 350-3
20x21mm    4.0gm
D N MAGNENTIVS P F AV[G]; bare-headed, draped & cuirassed bust right, A behind bust.
SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES; large Chi-Rho flanked by N-W
In ex. TRP
Cf. RIC VIII Trier 320


Magnentius
                    SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES from Trier unofficial barb
                    Chi-Rho

Magnentius
19x21mm    3.9gm
 VICTORIA AVG LIB ROMANOR; Victory stg. right; Libertas, holding transverse scepter in l. hand, stg. L. They support between them a plain shaft carrying a trophy.
In ex. TR
 
This is a copy of a very rare type- VICTORIA AVG LIB ROMANOR. The mintmark TR means it was copying a Trier coin, but RIC does not even list this type in bronze from Trier, but it does have it in gold. Perhaps an official example is out there that this coin copied. There are bronzes with this reverse from Rome.

Magnentius VICTORIA AVG LIB ROMANOR from Trier
                    unofficial issue barb



Arles
Constantine I
Circa A.D. 319
19x21mm     4.0g
IMP CONSTA TINVS ??? AVG; laureate helmet and cuirassed bust right.
IOVI CONSERVATORI AVG; eagle standing on wave line, left wing pointing downward, carrying Jupiter, standing left, thunderbolt in right hand, sceptre across left shoulder.
In ex. TRAO

this is a type not struck officially for Constantine, see RIC VII Arles 196 for the Licinius prototype


Constantine I IOVI
                    CONSERVATORI AVG from Arles unofficial



Constantine I
Circa A.D. 325
21mm   2.7gm
CONSTANTINVS AVG
VIRTVS AVGG
 
campgate overstruck on IOVI CONSERVATORI issued by Licinius. One of the Caesars on the obverse.

Constantine I VIRTVS
                    AVGG from Arles unofficial campgate overstruck on
                    IOVI CONSERVATORI

Constantine I
A.D. 322
17x18mm   3,1gm
CONSTANTINVS AVG; laureate head right.
CAESARVM NOSTRORV surrounding wreath enclosing VOT X.
In ex. T ✶in crescent AR

Constantine I VOT X from
                    Arles unofficial barb

Constantine I
Circa A.D. 325-6
17x18mm    2.0gm
CONSTAN-TINVS AVG; Laureate head right.
PROVIDEN-TIAE AVGG; camp gate, four turrets, open doors, star above.
In ex. TA crescent RL
Cf. RIC VII Arles 291

Constantine I
                    campgate from Arles PROVIDENTIAE AVGG unofficial
                    issue


Constantine I
Circa A.D. 325-6
18mm    2.3g

Constantine I
                  unofficial campgate Arles

Constantine I
A.D. 327
18x19mm    2.0gm
CONSTAN-TINVS AVG; laureate head right.
VIRTV-S AVGG; gateway with wide open doors, four turrets, star above. S/F in fields.
in ex. ARLS
cf. RIC VII Arles 313

Constantine I
                    VIRVTS AVGG campgate from Arles unofficial issue
                    barb

Crispus
A.D. 321
18mm   3.0gm
PL IVL CRISIVS NOB C; laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
D N CONSTANTINI MAX AVG surrounding laurel wreath enclosing VOT XX
In ex. P in crescent A
Arles imitation

Crispus VOT XX
                    from Arles unofficial barb


Constantine II
Campgate from Arles
18mm 3.2gm
Constantine II campgate from Arles unofficial
                  issue barb

Constantine II
circa A.D. 330
16mm      2.4gm
CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C [lots of gibberish]; laureate and cuirassed bust right.
GLORIA EXERCITVS [ends with gibberish]; Two soldiers helmeted, stg. facing one another, reversed spear in outer hands, inner hands on shields resting on the ground.
In ex. PCONST [almost]
Arles copy

Constantine II GLORIA EXERCITVS from Arles
                    unofficial issue barb

Julian II
A.D. 360-363
24x25mm    6.1gm
D N FL C IVLI-ANVS P F AVG; pearl-diademed, draped, & cuirassed bust right.
SECVRITAS REIPVB; Bull, head facing, standing right; above, two stars; at right, eagle standing on wreath, holding another wreath in beak.
In ex. SCONST
copying RIC VIII Arles 318

Julian II
                    SECVRITAS REIPVB Arles unofficial issue


Rome
Diocletian
circa A.D. 294
17x18mm 2.4g
DIOCLETIANVS AVG; laureate head right.
VIRTVS MILITVM; four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before gate in six turreted enclosure.
cf. RIC VI Rome 27a

Diocletian
                  VIRTVS MILITVM from Rome unofficial issue



Aquileia
Constantius II
A.D. 337- 341
15mm   1.3gm
CONSTANT- TIVS P F AVG; diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS; Two soldiers helmeted, stg. facing one another, reversed spear in outer hands, inner hands on shields resting on the ground; between them one standard inscribed with Chi-Rho.
In ex. AQP
Cf. RIC VIII Aquileia

Constantius II GLORIA EXERCITVS from Aquileia
                    with Chi-Rho…unofficial issue



Ticinum
Constantine I
A.D. 318-319
19mm   2.7gm
IMP CONSTANTINNN MAX AVG, helmeted, laureate, cuirassed
[VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP]; two Victories stg., facing one another, together holding wreath inscribed VOT PR on altar inscribed with a cross.
in ex. •TIT•
cf. RIC VII Ticinum 86

Constantine I
                    unofficial VLPP from Ticinum barb

Constantine I
A.D. 318-319
17mm   2.8gm
IMP CONSTANTINNN MAX AVG, laureate helmet and cuirassed bust right.
[VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP]; two Victories stg., facing one another, together holding wreath inscribed VOT PR on altar inscribed with a cross.
in ex. •TIT•
cf. RIC VII Ticinum 86

Constantine I
                    unofficial VLPP from Ticinum barb




Constantine I
A.D. 319- 320
16x17mm    2.3gm
CONSTA-NTINVS; Helmeted and cuirassed bust right.
VIRTV- ?????; Standard inscribed VOT/XX with captive seated on ground on either side.
in ex. T [?]
cf. RIC VII Ticinum 114
lots of silvering


Constantine I
                    VIRTVS EXERCIT Ticinum unofficial issue barb


Unofficial Constantinian VOT XX
Likely copying Ticinum
18mm    2.3g

unofficial VOT XX
                  Ticinum

Crispus
A.D. 319
18mm     2.4gm
CRISPVS NOB CAES; Laureate, cuirassed, spear pointing forward, shield on left arm.
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP; two Victories stg., facing one another, together holding shield inscribed VOT PR on altar.
In ex. TT
Crispus
                  VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP London unofficial barb

Crispus
A.D. 320- 321
17x19mm   2.4gm
VOT V
cf. RIC VII Ticinum 150
Crispus VOT V
                  unofficial issue barb

Constantine II
A.D. 326
18x19mm   2.6gm
CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C; Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left.
PROVIDEN-TIAE CAESS; camp gate with two turrets and star between them.
In ex. T crescent T

Constantine II campgate from Ticinum unofficial
                    issue barb

Constantius II
A.D. 326
19mm    2.5gm
FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C; Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left.
PROVIDEN-TIAE CAESS; camp gate with two turrets and star between them.
In ex. P crescent T
cf. RIC VII Ticinum 201

Constantius II campgate from Ticinum unofficial
                    issue barb



Siscia

Constantine I
A.D. 321-4
18x19mm    2.8g
CONSTANTINVS AVG [retrograde]; Laureate head left.
DN CONSTANTINI MAX AV surrounding laurel wreath enclosing VOT XX.
in ex. ASIS sunburst
cf. RIC VII Siscia 180

Constantine I VOT XX from Siscia unofficial
                    issue



Crispus
unofficial copy
VIRTVS EXERCIT
Siscia
Crispus VIRTVS
                  EXERCIT from Siscia unofficial isue barb

Crispus
A.D. 320
18x19mm   2.8g
[IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES]; Laureate, cuirassed, spear pointing forward, shield on left arm.
[VIRTVS EXERCIT]; Standard inscribed VOT/X with captive seated on ground on either side, in left field S, in right field F
in ex. SIS
cf. RIC VII Siscia 118

Crispus
                    VIRTVS EXERCIT from Siscia unofficial isue barb

Licinius I
19mm    3.0gm  
IOVI CONSERVATORI
Cf. RIC VII Siscia 8
Licinius I
                  IOVI CONSERVATORI from Siscia unofficial issue barb

Licinius II
circa A.D. 319- 320
18mm      3.0g
[LICINIVS IVN NOB C]; laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
[VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP]; two Victories stg., facing one another, together holding shield inscribed VOT PR on altar.
In ex.  ASIS✶
Licinius II
                  unofficial VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia



Sirmium
Constantine I
Circa A.D. 324- 325
18mm 2.1gm
CONSTAN- TINVS AVG; laureate head right.
ALMANNI-A DEVICT; Victory standing right, on bound captive with head turned to the left, holding laurel branch and trophy.
In ex. SIRM
very interesting because the ALAMANNIA DEVICTA type was never officially issued for Constantine I

Constantine I
                    ALMANNIA DEVICTA from Sirmium unofficial issue barb


Thessalonica

Constantine I
16x17mm   2.4gm
Copying Thessalonica?
Constantine I VOT
                  unofficial issue barb


Nicomedia
Constantinopolis  Commemorative
Circa A.D. 330- 335
16mm      2.7gm
 CONSTANT [???]; laureate, helmeted, wearing imperial mantle, holding scepter.
Rev. Victory stg. on prow, holding long scepter in r. hand, and resting l. hand on shield.
in ex. • SMNB •    Nicomedia

Constantinopolis Commemorative unofficial issue
                  from Nicomedia


Antioch
Constantine I posthumous issue     Overstruck with unofficial
FEL TEMP of Constantius II
Antioch mint  Circa A.D. 348   15mm   1.4gm

Ex-Collection of Ralph Van Deman Magoffin, eminent American Classical scholar and archaeologist, 1874-1942.
Constine I posthumous overstruck with Constantius
                  II FEL TEMP from Antioch


Alexandria
Maximinus II
Circa A.D. 312
22x24mm    3.9gm
IOVI CONSERVATORI
Alexandria mint     overstruck         I think this coin is most likely a modern creation, same as the one below
Maximinus
                  II IOVI Alexandria unofficial barb



Licinius I
Circa A.D. 315- 316
20x21mm    3.3gm
IOVI CONSERVATORI
cf. RIC VII Alexandria 18        I think this coin is most likely a modern creation, same as the one above
Licinius I
                  IOVI CONSERVATORI from Alexandria unofficial issue
                  barb


Helena SARMATIA DEVICTA

Helena
Circa A.D. 324
16x17mm   2.7gm
FL HELENA AVGVSTA; diademed & draped bust right, hair in elaborate coiffure.
SARMATIA DEVICTA ; Victory advancing r., holding trophy, palm branch, spurning captive std. on ground to right.
 
This unofficial issue pairs an obverse with a reverse that was never meant to be together, as this type was never officially struck for Helena








Ostrogothic King Theodahad

    The VLPP helmet of Constantine (called a ridge helmet) was also used later by Germanic kings. The above picture of the Ostrogothic king Theodahad (534-536 A.D.) illustrates the same helmet as the VLPP type. There is no plume or cheek flaps, but the type is still recognizable, especially the stars to the right and left of the cross-bar. The VLPP ridge helmet was a precursor to the most common type helmet in Europe in the sixth and seventh century-- called a spangenhelm. As late as the seventh century, a helmet was used in place of a crown in the coronation of Egbert, a King of Kent who ruled from 664 to 673.14
 
 


Typical Examples of Official VLPP's


Constantine the Great VLPP
                  D6-Laureate, helmeted, cuirassed
Constantine the Great VLPP H11 -
                  High-crested helmet, cuirassed, spear across right
                  shoulder
Constantine the Great VLPP H12 -
                  High-crested helmet, cuirassed, spear across right
                  shoulder, shield on left arm

official bust types

D6-Laureate, helmeted, cuirassed
H11 - High-crested helmet, cuirassed, spear across right shoulder
H12 - High-crested helmet, cuirassed, spear across right shoulder, shield on left arm

page on official Siscia VLPP's



Degrees of "barbarization"
The chart is from the article by  Arthur E. Robinson in “False and Imitation Roman Coins.” The Journal of Antiquarian Association of the British Isles 2, no. 4 (1932) : 171- 184. Howard Mattingly gave Robinson advice for his chart.

A
Original Coin
B
Slightly Divergent
C
Semi-barbarous
D
Barbarous
E
Decadent
F
Decadent & Reduced
Prototype
Original types and
legends essentially 
the same
Types and legends
still clearly reconizable
Wide divergence
in types and 
legends
Legends vanishing. Types
breaking down.
Exaggerated, 
and very small flans



 
 

map of
            Barbarians circa A.D. 320
 

Imitative  VLPP  Examples

    The coins below are all examples of barbarous VLPP's mainly in the style of the Siscia mint. Siscia was in the diocese of Pannonia. Imitations of Siscian coinage are the most commonly found examples; but barbarous imitations from all the mints exist. These coins often come from the Danube region. All of the coins below are struck, just like the official coins. The sizes are close to the official coinage, but on average tend to be about a millimeter smaller. The average weight of the imitatives is about .2 grams smaller than the official coinage. The coins below were all tested for metal content and the percentage of silver (usually around 2%) indicates that many were most likely made from the previously de-monetized issues, but sometimes other sources were used, for example coin 8 only has copper and lead. The chart below shows the percentage of copper, silver, tin and lead found in each coin.  I have arranged the first 22 coins from least to most barbarous. The least barbarous could pass for an official issue and may have been intended to deceive, but the last coins would not have fooled anyone. Here is a link to a page on metallurgy of official Constantinian coins for comparison with these imitations.
 

 


Size/weight
Copper
Silver
Tin
Lead
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #1
19x18mm     3.1gm 

 The style is very good and the legends are almost correct. This coin is what I would classify as a counterfeit

80.62
2.60
4.46
12.31
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #2
17mm    2.6gm

could have possibly passed as real

89.60
2.42 
2.93
5.04
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #3
18x17mm    2.5gm 

very similar to a coin found near Carnuntum
could have possibly passed as real

95.27
1.70
0.82
2.21
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #4
16mm   2.3 gm 

very similar to a coin found near Carnuntum

obverse die match with coin 3. They may been engraved by the same person
could have possibly passed as real

91.83
2.86
1.48
3.83
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #5
18mm      3.1gm
79.39
2.87
6.32
11.43
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #6
17mm    2.2gm 
90.34 
2.79
2.90 
3.97 
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #7
18mm 3.7gm 
86.83 
2.60 
3.82 
6.75 
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #8
19x18mm    2.6gm 
91.60 
---
---
8.40
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #9
17mm 2gm 
89.92
2.69
2.91 
4.48
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #10
17mm    2.4gm 
89.03
3.60 
3.18 
4.19 
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #11
18mm 2.9gm 
86.84
3.60
4.94
4.62
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #12
20x19mm     2.7gm 
90.99
2.48 
4.11 
2.41
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #13
15mm     2.4gm 
86.72
3.02
5.84 
4.41 
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #14
16mm      3gm 
86.60 
0.39
4.23
8.78
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #15
18mm     2.5gm 

 looks like an 8 on the shield.  note the similarity to coin 16. 

89.97
1.96 
5.43
2.65 
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #16
18mm     2.6gm 

looks like an 8 on the shield.  note the similarity to coin 15

89.50
1.18
4.80 
4.52
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #17
18mm 2.6gm 
94.24
2.02
1.50
2.24
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #18
19x18mm     3.0gm 
89.83 
1.74
1.62 
6.81
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #19
16mm     2.8gm 
93.54
2.22
3.02
1.22 
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #20
17mm        2.4gm 
88.61 
2.12
3.02
6.24
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #21
17mm 2.2gm 

die match with #22, #30, #62,  #94

92.89 
1.51
3.20 
2.39
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP
Coin #22
16mm 2.6gm 

die match with #21, #30, #62,  #94

88.88
2.19
3.73
5.20

 


Assorted Siscia VLPP imitations


despite a few die matches, most of the unofficial VLPP coins on this page are from different dies (though a few look like they were engraved by the same person); which demonstrates the massive amount of these coins that were minted-- perhaps more than official mintage.

Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s
                      VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s
                      VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s
                      VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia
Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s
                      VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia


Coin #23
17x18mm    1.9gm



Coin #24
16x17mm   2.1gm


Coin #25
17mm   3.2gm

horseman on shield


Coin #26
16x17mm   2.6gm

                           horseman on shield


Coin #27
17x18mm   3.4gm



Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                    LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia
Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #28
19mm    2.8gm

Coin #29
17mm    2.5gm
Coin #30
16x17mm    2.1gm
die match with #21 & #22


Coin #31
17x18mm    2.7gm

Coin #32
19x21mm    3.1gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #33
18x19mm    2.4gm

Coin #34
18mm    2.7gm

Coin #35
16x17mm    3.5gm
Coin #36
16x19mm    2.8gm
irregular flan, good style

Coin #37
18mm    3.3gm



Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia
Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #38
17mm    2.1gm
uniface

Coin #39
17x18mm    2.9gm

Coin #40
18mm    2.9gm

Coin #41
17x18mm    2.4gm
some silvering

Coin #42
17mm    2.6gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #43
18mm    2.5gm
T on shield

Coin #44
19mm    3.9gm

Coin #45
19mm    2.8gm

Coin #46
18mm    3.0gm
cross on altar

Coin #47
18x19mm    2.2gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #48
17mm    3.0gm
silvered

Coin #49
17mm    2.1gm

Coin #50
16x17mm    2.1gm

Coin #51
18mm    3.1gm

Coin #52
18x19mm    3.5gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #53
16x18mm    2.0gm


Coin #54
17mm    2.5gm
similar to coin #23

Coin #55
16mm    2.4gm

Coin #56
16mm    1.9gm

Coin #57
16mm    2.1gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #58
18x19mm    2.1gm


Coin #59
17mm    2.6gm

Coin #60
17x18mm    2.9gm

Coin #61
16x17mm    2.0gm

Coin #62
16x17mm    2.1gm
die match with #21, #22, #30, #94



Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #63
17x18mm    3.9gm

Coin #64
17mm    2.8gm

Coin #65
16x17mm    2.4gm
obverse die match with #3 & #4

Coin #66
17x18mm    2.6gm
reverse match with #15 & #16

Coin #67
19mm    3.9gm
very crude



Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #68
17x19mm    2.0gm

Coin #69
17mm    3.1gm

Coin #70
18mm    3.2gm

Coin #71
17x18mm    2.1gm

Coin #72
17x18mm    3.0gm



Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #73
17x18mm    3.0gm


Coin #74
15mm    2.0gm

Coin #75
17mm    2.2gm

Coin #76
15x16mm    1.9gm

Coin #77
17mm    2.8gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #78
17x18mm    2.1gm

Coin #79
16mm    2.4gm

Coin #80
17mm    2.4gm

Coin #81
16mm    3.2gm

Coin #82
17mm    2.7gm



Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #83
17x19mm    3.1gm

Coin #84
17x18mm    2.1gm


Coin #85
18x19mm    3.0gm
Coin #86
17mm    2.3gm
reverse die match with #15 #16 #66
obverse die match with  #16 #66

Coin #87
17x18mm    2.3gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #88
16mm    2.1gm

Coin #89
15x16mm    2.2gm


Coin #90
20mm    3.9gm

Coin #91
16x19mm    2.8gm

Coin #92
17x18mm    2.4gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #93
15x17mm    2.1gm


Coin #94
17mm    1.9gm
die match with #21, #22, #30, #62

Coin #95
17x20mm    3.3gm

Coin #96
17x19mm     2.7gm

Coin #97
16x17mm    2.9gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #98
19x21mm    3.1gm


Coin #99
16x17mm    2.0gm

Coin #100
17mm    2.1gm

Coin #101
17x18mm    2.3gm

Coin #102
17x18mm    2.6gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #103
17mm    2.3gm


Coin #104
17mm    2.8gm

Coin #105
16mm    1.9gm

Coin #106
17x18mm    2.6gm

Coin #107
19mm    3.1gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia
Coin #108
15x16mm    2.6gm
wolf and twins on shield
Coin #109
18x19mm    2.6gm
horseman on shield
Coin #110
17mm    3.3gm
cross (?) on altar


Coin #111
15x17mm    2.4gm

Coin #112
19mm    3.5gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #113
16mm    2.1gm


Coin #114
16x17mm    2.4gm

Coin #115
18x19mm    3.1gm

Coin #116
18mm    2.7gm

Coin #117
17mm    2.2gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #118
17x18mm    2.5gm


Coin #119
17mm    2.8gm

Coin #120
16x17mm    2.0gm

Coin #121
17x18mm    2.0gm

Coin #122
17x18mm    2.3gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #123
18mm    2.2gm


Coin #124
16mm    1.9gm

Coin #125
17mm    2.6gm

Coin #126
16x17mm    2.3gm

Coin #127
16x17mm    2.4gm


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #128
17mm    2.9gm


Coin #129
16x17mm    2.1g

Coin #130
17x18mm    3.1g

Coin #131
19x20mm    2.6g

Coin #132
19mm    2.9g


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #133
15x16mm    1.6g


Coin #134
17x18mm    2.9g

Coin #135
17mm    2.3g
Coin #136
18mm    2.4g
compare with #3, 4, 65, 75,
78, 117, 119, 125, 129

Coin #137
17mm    2.1g


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #138
17x18mm    2.5g


Coin #139
21mm    4.0g
overstruck on Licinius IOVI

Coin #140
18mm    2.8g

Coin #141
21x22mm    3.0g
overstruck on Licinius IOVI

Coin #142
18x19mm    3.5g


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #143
16mm    1.6g


Coin #144
18mm     2.9g

Coin #145
17mm     2.5g

Coin #146
21mm     2.6g
overstruck on Licinius IOVI

Coin #147
16mm     2.8g


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #148
16mm     2.8g


Coin #149
17mm     3.5g

Coin #150
18mm     2.6g

Coin #151
17x18mm     2.9g

Coin #152
17x18mm     2.1g
looks like soldiers on reverse


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia


Coin #153
15x16mm     1.8g
die match with #26



Coin #154
17mm     2.3g
die match with #26


Coin #155
16x18mm     3.6g

Coin #156
15x16mm     1.7g

Coin #157
17mm     1.8g


Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of
                  Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia Barbarous imitation of Constantine’s VICTORIAE
                LAETAE PRINC PERP from Siscia

Coin #158
18mm     2.3g


Coin #159
18mm     2.9g

Coin #160
17mm     2.2g








Die Matches


Die matches are generally not very commonly found when looking at Roman Imperial coins, however for unofficial coinage they are much more frequently found by collectors. The main reason that they are more easily found, is that given their nature, the styles vary so greatly, that die matches tend to stick out. They are more apparent than official coinage matches, which most certainly could have as many die matches floating around, but since official coinage styles look so similar, matches are only found when careful attention is paid to the coins.

 

               Unofficial die matches are also actually not very useful to the numismatist. Die matches of official coinage are used to answer questions concerning chronology or mint organization, but the very nature of unofficial coinage means that these questions cannot be answered. Unofficial coinage was minted in so many different areas by different people that the coins defy any ordering or cataloguing. At best, speculation can be made about some coins looking similar and perhaps being engraved by the same person. As far as chronology for unofficial coins, one cannot speculate any further than they were struck circa official issues. There is no conceivable way to classify them as they were struck without any order.

 

 

Ultimately unofficial die matches are only a novelty…so enjoy the example below!


   


Obverse and reverse die match

obverse
            and reverse die match of barbarous VLPP
 


Other pages with unofficial VLPP coinage
Warren Esty
Beast's
Ed Flinn
Reid Goldsborough
Gert Boersema


Suggested reading (arranged chronologically)

Andreas Alföldi, “Materialen zur Klassifizierung der gleichzeitigen Nachahmungen von römischen Münzen aus Ungarn und den Nachbärlandern.” Numizmatikai közlöny 25 (1926) : 37- 48, plates 1-6.
The author looked at 232 examples of imitations, many of which were Siscia VLPP imitations.

Arthur E. Robinson, “False and Imitation Roman Coins,” The Journal of Antiquarian Association of the British Isles 2, no. 3 (December 1931) : 97- 112; vol. 2, no. 4 (March 1932) : 171- 184; vol. 3, no. 1 (June 1932) : 3- 28.
The author looked at the holdings of museums in Great Britain and wrote about the imitations he found.

P. V. Hill, “Barbarous Imitations of Fourth-Century Roman Coins,” The Numismatic Chronicle 10 (1950) : 233- 270.
This work is compromised by the author's belief that some barbarous coins were struck as late as the fifth century.

Philip Grierson, “The Roman Law of Counterfeiting.” Essays in Roman Coinage Presented to Harold Mattingly. Oxford University Press (1956) : 240- 261.

J. P. C. Kent, “Barbarous Copies of Roman Coins: Their Significance for the British Historian and Archaeologist.” Limes-Studien 14 (1957) : 61- 68.
Kent argued that imitations were struck contemporary with the prototypes. By now, Hill agreed that barbs were not struck in the 5th century.

A. Ravetz, “Neutron Activation Analysis of Silver in Some Late Roman Copper Coins.” Archaeometry 6 (1963): 46- 55.
The author analyzed a few imitations of the Fel Temp galley type.

L. H. Cope and H. N. Billingham, “The Composition of 35 Roman Bronze Coins of the Period A.D. 284- 363.”  Historical Metallurgy 1 (1967) : 1- 6.
Three Fel Temp galley imitatives were analyzed

Katalin Biró-Sey, “Contemporary Roman Counterfeit Coins in the Niklovits Collection.” Folia Archaeologica 28 (1977) : 91- 101.
This article talks about 24 imitations from a large Hungarian collection, as well as imitations from the Transdanubia region in general.

J. P. Callu and J. P. Garnier, “Minimi constantiniens trouvés à Reims, Appendice II: Corpus des imitations.” Numismatica e Antichità Classiche 6 (1977) : 330- 315.
This is a corpus of documented finds of imitations issued after A.D. 330, including a map.

C. E. King, “The Alloy Content of Folles and Imitations from the Woodeaton Hoard.” PACT 1 (1977) : 86- 100.

_________ The Woodeaton (Oxfordshire) Hoard and the Problem of Constantinian Imitations, A.D. 330-41.” NC 18 (1978) : 38- 65.

Duval, Noël and Vladislav Popovic, eds. "Sirmium VIII. Études de Numismatique Danubienne: Trésors, Lingots, Imitations. Monnaies de Fouilles IV au XII Siècle." Rome: Ecole francaise de Rome, 1978.
A lot of information on imitatives, however there is one completely wrong statement-- "It should also be noted that all these specimens are cast, as everywhere else in the Roman empire." (pg 143). This is incorrect as many copies were struck, in fact, the coins illustrated appear to have been struck.

J. N. Barrandon and C. Brenot. “Analyse de monnaies de bronze (318- 340) par activation neutronique à l’aide d’une source isotopique de Californium 252.” Collection de l'Ecole française de Rome 37 (1978) : 123- 144.
Analyzed 12 imitations of imitative VLPP's, silver content ranged from .10- 2.5 %, with an average of 1.53%. No indication of which mints they imitated though.

George C. Boon, “Counterfeit Coins in Roman Britain,” Coins and the Archaeologist, London: Seaby (1988) : 102- 188.
A great overview of counterfeiting and imitative coinage in Britain.

Pierre Bastien,  "Imitations of Late Roman Bronze Coins, 318-363" American Numismatic Society Museum Notes  30 (1985): 144.
This is the standard work on 4th century imitations.

R. J. Brickstock,  "Copies of the FEL TEMP REPARATIO Coinage in Britain" British Archeaological Reports (1987).

Kevin Butcher, “The Maidenhatch Farm Hoard of Constantinian Copies” The Numismatic Chronicle 152 (1992): 160-174.
This hoard contained 193 coins from A.D. 330- 341.,and all but two were imitations

C. L. Duncan, Coin Circulation in the Danubian and Balkan Provinces of the Roman Empire A.D. 294-578. London: Royal Numismatic Society, 1993.
Interesting read, but concentrates on Pannonia and Dacia (no Middle Danube) and very little on imitatives besides a few references to minimissimi

C. E. King, "Roman Copies" Coin Finds and Coin Use in the Roman World. Berlin: Gebr. Mann Verlag (1996) : 237-263.
After Bastien, this is the most informative and useful work on imitatives.

Matthias Pfisterer and Heinz Winter, “Eine Sammlung barbarisierter spätrömischer Münzen aus Carnuntum,” Mitteilungen der Österreichischen Numismatische Gesellschaft volume 41, no.2 (2001) :27-41 and volume 41, no. 3 (2001) : 47- 61.
The authors wrote about  52 imitations found near Carnuntum, which included 37 VLPP imitations.

Bursche, Aleksander. “Circulation of Roman Coinage in Northern Europe in Late Antiquity.” Histoire & mesure XVII (2002).
"Barbarian counterfeits of denarii, aurei, siliquae and solidi were minted — in a very limited number at that — mostly on territory close to the limes." So they could have minted copies of LRB's--particularly VLPP's, also. The author talks about the function of Roman coins in German society, but ignores that Tacitus said Germans used coins as currency on the frontiers, versus bullion in the interior, stating that what Tacitus said was a classical topos (rhetorical invention) in reference to Germania with no mention of Annals.

Bursche, Aleksander. "Contacts between the Late Roman Empire and North-Central Europe."  The Antiquaries Journal 76 (1996): 31-50.

Moisil, Delia. “The Danube Limes and the Barbaricum (294-498 A.D.) A Study In Coin Circulation.” Histoire & mesure XVII (2002).
While not talking specifically about the Middle Danube, the author had this to say about imitations, "It is still difficult to establish if they should be assigned to barbarous people in the Danube area, to semi-official Roman mints or to individuals interested in getting some profit from this work."


Andrey Sergeev “Barbarian Coins on the Territory between the Balkans and Central Asia” State Historical Museum of Russia (2012)




1Boon, George C. “Counterfeit Coins in Roman Britain.”  Coins and the Archaeologist. London: Seaby (1980) : 102- 188.

2Pierre Bastien,  "Imitations of Late Roman Bronze Coins, 318-363" American Numismatic Society Museum Notes  30 (1985): 144.

3 George C. Boon, “Counterfeit Coins in Roman Britain,”  Coins and the Archaeologist, London: Seaby (1980) : 137.

4J. Barrandon & J. P. Callu & C. Brenot in their article, "The Analysis of Constantinian Coins (A.D. 313-40) By Non-Destructive Californium 252 Activation Analysis," Archaeometry 19 (1977): 173-186, found that examples of the VLPP imitative from Trier averaged less than 2% silver.

5I have heard that the phrase "make money hand over fist" referred to the minting practice of holding the die in your fist and striking with a hammer in your other hand. It is actually an old naval term referring to hauling ropes and meant making progress, but it works for this analogy.

6Pierre Bastien, "Imitations of Late Roman Bronze Coins, 318-363" American Numismatic Society Museum Notes  30 (1985): 144.

7 Ibid.,160.

8 A few  examples-- Kevin Butcher, “The Maidenhatch Farm Hoard of Constantinian Copies” The Numismatic Chronicle 152 (1992): 160-174. Andreas Alföldi, “Materialen zur Klassifizierung der gleichzeitigen Nachahmungen von römischen Münzen aus Ungarn und den Nachbärlandern.” Numizmatikai közlöny 25 (1926) : 37- 48, plates 1-6. Matthias Pfisterer and Heinz Winter, “Eine Sammlung barbarisierter spätrömischer Münzen aus Carnuntum,” Mitteilungen der Österreichischen Numismatische Gesellschaft volume 41, no.2 (2001) :27-41 and volume 41, no. 3 (2001) : 47- 61.

9Pitts, Lynn F. “Relations Between Rome and the German ‘Kings’ on the Middle Danube in the First to Fourth Centuries A.D.” JRS  79 (1989) : 55.

10 Bursche, Aleksander. “Circulation of Roman Coinage in Northern Europe in Late Antiquity.” Histoire & mesure XVII (2002). "Barbarian counterfeits of denarii, aurei, siliquae and solidi were minted — in a very limited number at that — mostly on territory close to the limes."

11Pitts, Lynn F. “Relations Between Rome and the German ‘Kings’ on the Middle Danube in the First to Fourth Centuries A.D.” JRS  79 (1989) : 57.

12Tabula Imperii Romani M33; J. Wielowiejski, "Die Kontakte Noricums und Pannoniens mit den Nordlichen Volkern im Lichte der romische Importe" in H. J. Dolle (ed.) Romer und Germanen in Mitteleuropa (1975) 69- 86.

13 Within the City of Rome no person shall wear either trousers or boots. But if any man after the issuance of this regulation of Our Clemency should obstinately persist in such contumacy, he shall be punished according as his legal status permits and expelled from our sacred City.”  Codex Theodosianus 14.10.3 June 6, 399.

14 Andreas Alföldi, “The Helmet of Constantine with the Christian Monogram.” The Journal of Roman Studies 22 (1932) : 16.
 
 


Barb1

last modified on 29 Sept 2023

Constantine the Great