Catalog
1 Argenteus - Imitating Maximian, 285-305
| Issuer | Uncertain Germanic tribes |
|---|---|
| Year | 301-325 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1 Argenteus = 1/25 Aureus |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Four Tetrarchs sacrificing over a tripod altar before a city gate or enclosure, a composition derived from the official VIRTVS MILITVM or similar Tetrarchic reverse type. The figures are rendered in a simplified, barbarous style with debased detail, standing in a row with arms raised in the sacrificial gesture. The city enclosure or camp gate occupies the background or central field. A garbled imitation of the original Latin legend surrounds the scene, with letterforms degraded and partially illegible, consistent with unofficial Germanic tribal production of this period. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Additional information |
Barbarian imitations of Roman argentei are poorly documented as a group, but the political logic is clear enough: the argenteus was introduced by Diocletian around 294 as part of his currency reform, and Germanic tribes along the Rhine-Danube frontier quickly recognized its utility for trade and tribute payments with Roman counterparts. Imitating Maximian specifically — rather than Diocletian — may reflect proximity to the western frontier zones where his authority was most visible.
The fabric on these pieces is frequently irregular, with planchet preparation noticeably cruder than official mint output.