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Ancient Counterfeits and Barbarous Imitations

BYZANTINE, Imitation Latin TrachyObv: No design
Rev: Emperor standing, holding labarum and akakia
18-20 mm
Imitation of Sear 2044
Is this coin the worst imitation ever made? The "celator" tooled the reverse design directly onto the coin! He did not even bother with the obverse, probably because the official issues were so poorly struck anyway.
From the collection of Laetvs

BYZANTINE, Maurice Tiberius AV (Fouree) SolidusMaurice Tiberius AV Solidus.
Obverse: D N MAVRC TIb PP AVG, helmeted and cuirassed facing bust, holding globus cruciger
Reverse: VICTORI AAVCCC, angel holding long P-headed cross and globus cruciger; Exergue: CONOB.
Attribution: DOC I 5f; MIB II 6. SBV #sb0478 (Thanks to Wildwinds.com)
This coin seems heavy to be plated silver. I have yet to weigh it. I believe the core to be lead; however, I am unsure. 4 comments

CELTIC, Celtic imitation - AE 22overstrike

Serdi region
? (original Macedonian issue 185-168 BC)
head of rivergod Strymon right
wide trident
type: (A?)5B
imitation of: SNG Copenhagen 1298-9 var.
8,37g 22-20mm

original coin probably is:

Thessalonica
158-31 BC
head of Dionysos with ivy wreath right
goat standing right
ΘEΣΣA_ΛO / N_IK_HΣ
(NE) / ? other monograms
Sear #1466; BMC Macedonia p. 110, 10 - 16

Head of goat and one ivy-leaf under Strymon's head are slightly visible.

Imitations from Serdi region weren't used to fool Macedonian traders but as their own currency. This coin is one of overstrikes on official Macedonian coins which prooves this theory.J. B.

CELTIC, Celtic imitation - AE 22overstrike

Serdi region
? (original Macedonian issue 185-168 BC)
head of rivergod Strymon right
wide trident
MAKE / ?ΔONΩN?
type: type E3A
imitation of: SNG Copenhagen 1298-9 var.
6,70g 22mm

Wave on Strymon's face is relic of original coin also there is slightly visible inscription (perpendicular to trident).
original coin probably is:

Thessalonica
158-31 BC
head of Dionysos with ivy wreath right
goat standing right
ΘEΣΣA_ΛO / N_IK_HΣ
(NE) / ? other monograms
Sear #1466; BMC Macedonia p. 110, 10 - 16

Imitations from Serdi region weren't used to fool Macedonian traders but as their own currency. This coin is one of overstrikes on official Macedonian coins which prooves this theory.J. B.

CELTIC, Drachm, Imitating IstrosCELTIC, Uncertain Eastern Europe. Uncertain tribe. 3rd-2nd centuries BC. Drachm (17mm, 4.75 g, 12h). Imitating Istros. Two male heads facing, the right inverted / Sea-eagle on dolphin rightAndreas G

GREEK, Alexander III Fouree Tetradrachm27mm 14.74g
Test cut on obv. exposing copper core. Scrape on reverse. Looks like the finder went a bit overboard with the cleaning.
Unfortunately I lack the references to tell what type/mint this is imitating but I believe it is not a lifetime issue.

3 comments

GREEK, Alexander III the Great - Celtic imitation Alexander III the Great - King of Macedonia 336-323 B.C.Celtic Gaul or Britain Barbarous AR Drachm
Dimensions: 18 mm Weight: 4 grams

Struck - 336-250 B.C. Obv./ Head of Hercules right, wearing lion skin headdress.Rev./ AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter, monogram in left field and under chair.
Struck during the lifetime of Alexander the Great and beyond circa 336-250 B.C. by the Celts of Gaul or Britain for trade with the Greeks.

GREEK, Alexander III the great; fouree (Silver plated)

GREEK, Athens, AR Tetradrachm, Barbarous ImitationTetradrachm, 16.8 gm, 20 mm, 350-300 BC
Obv: Anepigraphic with head of Athena wearing crested helmet.
Rev: Owl standing right, head facing, (ΑΘΕ) to right; olive twig and crescent moon to left.
ex-Berk

GREEK, Barbarous (Thracian) Alexander III, AR DrachmDrachm, 3.5 gm, 16.8 mm.
Obv: Stylized head of Alexander the Great capped with lion skin.
Rev: Imitative rendering of seated Zeus holding eagle and sceptre. No visible inscription.
Pink 577-5781 comments

GREEK, Barbarous (Thracian) Alexander III, AR DrachmDrachm, 3.4 gm, 16.5 mm
Obv: Stylized head of Alexander the Great capped with lion skin.
Rev: Imitative rendering of seated Zeus holding eagle and sceptre. Amphora to front. No visible inscription.
Pink 577-578

GREEK, Barbarous (Thracian) Alexander III, AR DrachmDrachm, 1.6 gm, 19.5 mm.
Obv: Stylized head of Alexander the Great capped with lion skin.
Rev: Imitative rendering of seated Zeus holding eagle and sceptre. Amphora to front. No visible inscription.
Pink 577-578

GREEK, Barbarous AE of Alexander the GreatAe18, 5.7 gm, 16.9 mm
Obv: Head of Alexander the Great (facing in the wrong direction) capped with lion skin.
Rev: Club and bow in case with bungled legend between.

GREEK, Barbarous Copy of an Athenian OwlTetradrachm with obverse head of Athena. Reverse has owl standing, right, with olive twig and crescent moon. Partial legend to right.
20 mm 16.8 gm
Some coins are like ugly kids. When they're yours, you love 'em!!
Massanutten2 comments

GREEK, Barbrous imitation of Macedonian Kingdom, Autonomous Issue AE (4,4g). Issued under Philip V and Perseus, 185-168 BC.Obv: Head of river god Strumon with radiate crown horn at forehead
Rev: [MAKE-DONWN], decorated trident, monograms at base.

Natural green patina. The coin is double struck.

GREEK, Fouree Plate Coin!Taras --AE Fouree stater (Ex Vlasto). 334-330BC. Boy on horse prancing right/Taras on dolphin left,helmet in right field. Ravel 653 (this coin). 2 commentsfeatherz

Greek, ILLYRIA, Dyrrhachium - DrachmAv : "XENWN" above Cow standing right suckling calf, caps of Dioscuri above
Rv : "?" around double stellate Pattern

19 mm, 2.92g

Note: Maybe an imitative type1 comments

ROMAN EMPIRE, "Limes" denarius, Caracallawhitetd49

ROMAN EMPIRE, Augustus, Georgian imitationaugustus georgian imitation very interesting coin

ROMAN EMPIRE, Augustus, Provincial ImitationObv: VGUSTVS TRIBVNIC POTEST (sic)
Legend in three lines within oak wreath.
Rev: M SALVIVS OTHO III A A A F F
Legend around large S C (sic)
Dupondius, 9.7 gm 24 mm
Comment: Misspelled Aug. on obverse. Backward S on reverse. From Curtis Clay: "Curiously, standard dupondii of this moneyer seem to be attested ONLY in ancient imitations, BMC p. 44 note, RIC p. 75 note. Presumably these imitations copy an official issue which has not yet come to light, since it seems unlikely that ancient counterfeiters/imitators would create new coin types by switching names on the prototypes they were copying."1 comments

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarian imitative late Roman coin, two soldiersBarbaric imitative most likely of Constantine The Great.
Obverse : Helmeted bust left with Illiterate legend.
Reverse : Two soldiers and standard with illiterate legend and ex.
15 mm diam., 2.5 gNORMAN K

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbaric "Fallen Horseman" AE3Obverse with incomplete legend, F AVG
Reverse legend completely blundered
No exerguewhitetd49

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbaric "fallen horseman" late roman coinLegend not legible but appears to be a coin in the Constantine era.
Obverse has a right facing bust
Reverse has a soldier spearing a fallen horseman
21.8 mm, 4.3 g.NORMAN K

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbaric Antoninianus coinImitation of a roman Antoninian. A wire was fixed on the surface of this coin, a piece of it is still visible.

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbaric ConstansObv:CONSTANS AVG
laureate, draped & cuirassed bust left
Rev: gloria exercitvs type
two soldiers holding spears & shields,
one standard between them; o on banner
12mm 1.1 gmOWL365

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbaric Constans ?Obv:AVG
draped & cuirassed bust right
Rev:emperor on galley right , holding labarum
17mm 1.7 gmOWL365

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbaric Constantine IObv:nonsense
helmet, cuirassed bust right
Rev:VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP type
two Victories standing facing one another
holding shield inscribed VOT PR on altar
snake in ex
18mm 3,5 gmOWL365

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbaric Constantine IObv:nonsense
laureate & cuirassed bust left
Rev:VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP type
two Victories standing facing one another
holding shield inscribed VOT PR on altar
marks in ex
17mm 2,5 gmOWL365

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbaric Constantine IObv: nonsense
Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right
Rev: IOVI CONSERVATORI type
Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on a
globe & scepter, eagle at foot left with a
wreath in its beak
IIII in ex
19mm 1.7 gmOWL365

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbaric Fallen Horseman0.62g - 11mm1 commentsHolgerG

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Claudius IObv: Bare head, left.
Rev: S C
Minerva advancing right, brandishing spear and holding shield.
As 5.2 gm 23.6 mm
Comment: Really interesting depiction of hand-hold on shield.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Constantinian period

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Constantius GallusObv: D N CONSTANTIVS IV( ) NOB (I) C
Bare headed, draped (and cuirassed) bust, right.
Rev: Constantius Gallus between two standards. Alpha in left field, Betta in right.
3.5 gm 20 mm
Comment: Note the absence of N in IVN in the obverse legend and addition of letter between the NOB and C. Interesting that the field marks are taken from a Constantius II version of the official issue.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Fallen Horseman typeObv: Inscription consisting of a series of "I"s. Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Inscription consisting of repeating "H"s and "I"s. Roman soldier spearing fallen horseman. Imitates the common FEL TEMP REPARATIO type.
1.7 gm, 16.1 mm.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Fourth Century VotiveObv: Laureate and cuirassed bust, left.
Rev: Most probably a votive inscription in four lines within wreath.
2.2 gm 16.9 mm Base metal.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, MagnentiusObv: Bare-headed draped and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Two Victories facing each other and holding shield with inscription.
1.9 gm 16.9 mm Exergue: PLG
Comment: Purports to be a half-Centenionalis which did not exist for the official issue.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Uncertain RulerObv: Radiate (and cuirassed) bust, right.
Rev: Figure standing, right, with transverse spear.
.9 gm 10.3 mm Ae4

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Uncertain RulerObv: Radiate and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Sol advancing, left.
2.6 gm 18 mm Antoninianus
Comment: Amazingly, this barbarous Ant is fully silvered!

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Uncertain RulerObv: (No visible inscription).
Radiate head, right.
Rev: (No visible inscription).
Helmeted (?) figure facing with spear (?) at right side. Crescent in opposite field.
8.9 mm, .6 gm, Ae4

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Uncertain RulerObv: Radiate, draped, cuirassed bust, right. Inscription beginning 'I'.
Rev: Uncertain, perhaps Fides with standard to left. Inscription beginning 'FID'.
2.1 gm, 14.3 mm.
Comment: Unusually fine obverse bust.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Victoriae Laetae type.Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Two Victories resting inscribed shield on altar.
3.7 gm 17.4 mm
Comment: Note the X at altar front and addition of a dove (?) at top of shield.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Victoriae Laetae type.Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Two Victories resting inscribed shield on altar.
2.4 gm 16.8 mm
Comment: Note the palm frond (?) at front of altar and dove (?) at top of shield.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Victoriae Laetae type.Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Two Victories resting inscribed shield on altar.
2.6 gm 16.3 mm
Comment: Note the X with center crossbar at front of altar and snake (?) added to front of shield.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Victoriae Laetae type.Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Two Victories resting inscribed shield on altar.
3.1 gm 18.3 mm
Comment: Note that the helmet appears to extend fully around to encompass the neck!

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Victoriae Laetae type.Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Two Victories resting inscribed shield on altar.
2.9 gm 17 mm
Comment: Note that the shield appears to contain a sunburst.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Victoriae Laetae type.Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Two Victories resting inscribed shield on altar.
2.1 gm 16 mm
Comment: Note the X in lower altar, three pellets in exergue, pellet in upper altar, two pellets in shield and single pellet above.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Victoriae Laetae type.Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Two Victories resting inscribed shield on altar.
2.6 gm 15.5 mm
Comment: Note the MSIS mintmark.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Victoriae Laetae type.Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Two Victories resting inscribed shield on altar.
3.2 gm 17.5 mm
Comment: Note pellet bordered square in shield.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Victoriae Laetae type.Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Two Victories resting inscribed shield on altar.
2.5 gm 16.8 mm
Comment: Note small lower altar with reversed E on top. Shield is small and stylized with a flat bottom. Object above may be a part of the legend or a rendition of a bird.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Victoriae Laetae type.Obv: Laureate and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Two Victories resting inscribed shield on altar.
3.1 gm 17.8 mm
Comment: The only one these entries that may not be Constantine. Perhaps Crispus? Note the X in lower altar. Shield is so small it may be a laurel wreath.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Victoriae Laetae type.Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Two Victories resting inscribed shield on altar.
3 gm 18 mm
Comment: Note CLTS in exergue. Extremely small shield.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Victoriae Laetae type.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Victories, Shield and Altar, Coin 1.Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Two Victories resting inscribed shield on altar.
2.8 gm 17.5 mm
Comment: Shares same die as coin 2. shown next. Interesting that their separate paths should find them together here.

ROMAN EMPIRE, BARBARIC IMITATIVE, Victories, Shield and Altar, Coin 2.Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: Two Victories resting inscribed shield on altar.
2.2 gm 17 mm
Comment: See Coin 1. (same dies). Unfortunately, I did not record the seller.

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbaric Julia DomnaJulia Domna --AR Denarius. Contemporary (ancient) imitation. IVLIA DOMINA (sic) AVG. R: Vesta seated left holding palladium and sceptre. 2 commentsfeatherz

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbaric Tetricus imitative similar to RIC VII 86 Gallic mint, 270-273 CEObverse: IMP TETRICVS PF AVG, radiate, cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: LAETITIA AVG, Laetitia standing left, holding wreath and anchor.
14.5 mm., .8 g.
NORMAN K

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbaric VOTA typeObv: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left. Unknown legend.

Rev: (Pi) dot XX within laurel wreath. Unknown legend
Exe: Gamma, (reversed "S") T

barbaric imitation of vows coin. Ruler and date unknown.

From the collection of Bluefish2 commentsBluefish

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous Constantine I imitation of Constantine I
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous copy of uncertain provincial? AEVictory on globe? Your guess as good as mine.1 commentsEd Flinn

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous Fourth Century VotiveObv: _ _ NSTANNSVNNOB_ _ _ _
Laureate and draped bust, right.
Rev: VOT XX M•V•LT XXX
Votive legend in three lines within wreath.
2.4 gm, 17 mm, Exergue: T•S•Î“
Comment: Unusually accurate portrayal of reverse. The mintmark imitates Thessalonica.

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous imitation of Roman coin AE11mmBarbarous imitation of Roman coin C.300-350AD
UK Metal detector findLee S

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous muleThe details are indistinct. The obverse legend says " D N C. . .TIANTIS P F AVG", while the reverse is a Gloria Romanum type usually found in the era of Valentinian--emperor advancing right, dragging captive by the hair & holding labarum. TES in exergue. Crude. Dacian counterfeit?Libanus93

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous Radiate, 09mm – 0,24g ----- Type PaxMinim

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous Radiate, 10mm – 0,49g ----- Type SalusMinim

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous Radiate, 12mm – 0,54g ----- Type PietasMinim

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous Radiate, 12mm – 0,60g ----- Type InvictusMINIM

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous Radiate, 12mm – 0,69g ----- Type SalusMinim

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous Radiate, 12mm – 1,12g ----- Type VirtusMinim

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous Radiate, Tetricus - CONSECRATIO AVG (Divo Carus)17mm – 1,44g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local : type CONSECRATIO AVG
AGK **

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous Tetricus - COS IIII (Postumus)15mm – 2,50g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local : type COS IIII
AGK N2c (R5)

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous VLPPimitation of Constantine I
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP
This is a barbarous coin imitating Constantine’s VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP. The style is very good and the obverse legend is close with CONSTNNT-NSNNG. The reverse is nicely done and the exergue reads ESIS and there is an I on the altar.

from the collection of Victor
My Barbarian Pages

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous VLPPimitation of Constantine I
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP
This is the best barbarian imitative I have seen (in the Siscia style). The style is very good and the legends are almost correct.

collection of Victor
My Barbarian Pages

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous VLPPFormer Crusty with excellent detail

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Constantinian Era

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Constantinian Era

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Tetricus - COS TER (Victorinus)17mm - 1,98g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local : type COS TER
AGK **

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Tetricus - FIDES MILITVM15mm - 2,33g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local : type FIDES MILITVM
AGK N80a (C2)

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Tetricus - FIDES MILITVM18mm - 2,32g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local : type FIDES MILITVM
(legende AV AVGG)

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Tetricus - FORTVNA AVG (Postumus)17mm – 1,79g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local : type FORTVNA AVG
AGK N8c (R1)

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Tetricus - HILARITAS AVGG17mm - 2,61g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local : type HILARITAS AVGG
AGK N81b (C4)

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Tetricus - HILARITAS AVGG15/18mm - 1,69g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local : type HILARITAS AVGG
(gravure inversée)

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Tetricus - INVICTVS / * (Victorinus)17mm - 2,51g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local : type INVICTVS / *
AGK N57c (C1)

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Tetricus - LAETITIA AVGG15mm - 2,01g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local : type LAETITIA AVGG
AGK N91c (C4)

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Tetricus - MONETA AVG (Postumus)20mm – 3,36g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local : type MONETA AVG
AGK N22c (R1)

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Tetricus - PAX AVG / V * (Victorinus)16mm - 2,36g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local : type PAX AVG / V *
AGK N60c (S)

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Tetricus - PIETAS AVGVSTOR (Tetricus II)17mm - 2,28g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local : type PIETAS AVGVSTOR
AGK N109c (C2)

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Tetricus - SALVS AVG (Postumus)18mm - 1,90g
Avers Tetricus
atelier local : Type SALVS AVG
AGK **

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Tetricus - SALVS AVGG18mm - 3,20g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local : type SALVS AVGG
AGK N118b (C5)

ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbarous, Tetricus - SPES PVBLICA17mm - 2,57g
Avers Tetricus
Atelier local: type SPES PVBLICA gravure inversée
AGK N127c (C3)

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