Katalog
| Emittent | Uncertain barbarous city |
|---|---|
| Jahr | 337-340 |
| Typ | Standard circulation coin |
| Nennwert | Follis (1) |
| Währung | |
| Material | Bronze |
| Gewicht | 0.95 g |
| Durchmesser | 13 mm |
| Dicke | |
| Form | Round (irregular) |
| Prägetechnik | Hammered |
| Ausrichtung | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Stempelschneider | |
| Im Umlauf bis | |
| Referenz(en) |
| Aversbeschreibung | Diademed, mantled bust left |
|---|---|
| Aversschrift | Latin |
| Averslegende |
CIHHO-O AIIG (reading right to left and facing outwards) (Translation: Seemingly meaningless, but appears to be a mirror image (as does the bust, perhaps due to the way it was taken from the official coin). Theodora`s Trier coins (minted 337-340) have the legend FL MAX THEO-DORAE AVG (Flavia Maximiana Theodora Augusta), which seems to be what CIHHO-O AIIG is copying) |
| Reversbeschreibung | Victory standing on prow wings outspread, holding spear with right hand and leaning on shield with left hand. Palm-branch in left field and mintmark in exergue |
| Reversschrift | Latin |
| Reverslegende |
ZPT in exergue (Translation: As with the obverse, the reverse legend is mirrored. Backwards, this is TRS for Trier, a common mint for Theodora`s coins) |
| Rand | |
| Prägestätte | |
| Auflage |
ND (337-340) - Imitating Treveri - |
| Numisquare-ID | 1432571810 |
| Zusätzliche Informationen |
Historical Context: This bronze follis, dating from 337-340 AD, represents a fascinating example of unofficial coinage from the tumultuous period immediately following the death of Constantine the Great. The type imitates issues depicting Flavia Maximiana Theodora, stepmother of Constantine, often associated with Pietas. Its "barbarous" nature signifies production outside official imperial mints, likely by local workshops responding to a shortage of official currency or regional economic needs. The specific imitation of Trier mint styles suggests a Western Roman context, highlighting the fragmentation of central authority and the localized adaptation of imperial iconography during a period of intense dynastic struggle among Constantine's sons.
Artistry: The artistry of this follis is characterized by its "barbarous" style, a term reflecting its departure from the refined standards of official Roman imperial mints. No specific engraver is identifiable; instead, it was likely produced by local, often less skilled artisans. The stylistic school is defined by its crude rendition of the imperial prototype, typically exhibiting simplified features, disproportionate elements, and often illegible or garbled legends. While attempting to replicate the veiled bust of Theodora and associated reverse types from Trier, the design invariably shows a marked decline in artistic quality, emphasizing functional currency production over aesthetic fidelity.
Technical/Grading: This coin, with its diminutive size (13 mm) and light weight (0.95 gg), is typical of late Roman bronze imitations, often reflecting debasement and scarcity of metal. High-points, if discernible, would be limited to the most prominent features of the bust, such as the nose or central drapery, often appearing flattened or weakly struck. Technical strike qualities are generally poor; the flan is likely irregular, and the strike itself weak, off-center, or uneven, resulting in incomplete legends and partially rendered designs. The dies used were often crudely cut and quickly deteriorated, contributing to the overall lack of definition and irregular appearance.