Fun surprise from a recent job lot... one of the best small module barbarous radiates I've ever seen! Tetricus I Barbarous imitation IMP TETRICVS AVG, Radiate draped bust right - (A)VG, Salus (?) Standing left, feeding snake from altar, holding hem of robe, maybe hand resting on anchor or rudder? It is detailed and literate enough that it could almost pass for the real deal, except... Post your barbarous radiates, especially the small module ones, or the ones that could almost pass for genuine!
Love three lil guy! It looks better than plenty from the mint Here's some of my favorites: 972147[/ATTACH
I have posted this before. Helena imitative AE 8mm 0.50g Obv: Helena (The portrait could also be Fausta.) Rev: Wolf and twins Refs: None!
Considering the originals copied by the barbarous radiates are usually not in excellent condition, it is remarkable to find a well-struck imitation--especially one only 7 mm in diameter!
Valentinian makes a good point. In my opinion the best barbarous coins are the ones with greatest eye appeal or most 'distinctive' style. The first here is good style but only half the diameter of the real thing. The second is the worst style but shows a left facing bust and reverse with rudder (Fortuna?). Is this a case of the worst being the best?
It's a lot easier to find decent style unofficial radiates of Claudius II. But maybe you didn't mean for these to count! There's no chance that this Tetricus II would pass for official! (Both of the above are very small though I haven't recorded their size in my database yet.)
