this unofficial issue reminded me of a trial strike but it is merely a small module (10 mm die) struck on a larger flan. Tetricus I Circa A.D. 270- 274 Ӕ minimi 13x14mm 1.5g The reverse may be a vase
here is another small coin that has an obverse that looks like Tetricus I paired with a reverse that resembles a Tetricus II reverse with a vase. Tetricus A.D. 271- 274 AE minimi 9.5x10.5mm 0.6gm for size comparison--
This is another unofficial Tetricus, a little smaller than official ones. Obv.: M PTITRIC[...] Rev.: FID E M I L I T V[.]
It is unusually neat for the type. I'm more partial to the ones which are very close to official. I remember when Dr. Fishman had bulk lots of such things and in the teaser photo was one which was the kind I wanted. I have less than 3 each of Victorinus/Tetricus. I just don't collect small AE's much.
I think the same thing occurred on this obverse portrait; small portrait designed for a smaller flan.
I just won this unofficial Tetricus with SPES reverse. It would have passed as official without close inspection as the spelling is right and the style is only a bit off. IMP C TETRICVS P AVG SPES AVG 18mm 3.1g
