1 Argenteus - Imitating Maximian, 285-305

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.