Selection of Romano-Celtic Bronze Barbarous Radiates

£ 25.00

A selection of Romano-Celtic bronze coins, commonly known as ‘barbarous radiates,’ after the radiates worn by the emperor on the obverse. This is their most dominant feature on even the most degenerated of coins. The coins are ancient Celtic imitations of Ancient Roman bronze antoniniani. Nevertheless, they are rarely considered to be forgeries, as they were much smaller and cruder than their Roman counterparts, and so unlikely to be mistaken. They were typically minted in Britain, Gaul or Germany during the Crisis of the Third Century, when official Roman coinage was scarce. Their production, while not encouraged, was tolerated by the authorities, as it provided a useful source of small change in their regions. This was far from the official Roman mints in Trier and Cologne. The use of these coins continued in Britain until 286AD, when Carausian opened London’s first official mint. They minted coins that were in line with the Roman standards but also appealed to the native Britons’ dissatisfaction with Roman rule.

The obverse features the radiate head or bust of the emperor, facing right, sometimes draped, sometimes cuirassed. The most frequently imitated obverse-types imitated on these barbarous radiates belonged to the Gallic emperors, Tetricus I and Tetricus II. Both feature in this selection. Alongside Tetricus I and Tetricus II, imitations of Victorinus and other emperors also make up part of this group. The reverse displays a variety of types, from depicting Spes, Victory, or even sacrificial instruments. The legends, as typical of barbarous radiate types, range from correct and exact copies of their Roman counterparts to a meaningless mixture of letters and symbols. Though for the most part, the legends on the coins in this selection are legible and with meaning.

Weight of the coins varies between 1.72g to 3.22g. Diameter of the coins varies between 1.4cm to 1.8cm.

Priced Individually. Please note this is a general lot and individual selection is not available.

Date: Circa 3rd Century AD
Condition: Fine condition.

In stock

SKU: CF-55 Category: Tags: ,

The Crisis of the Third Century was a period of Roman history sparked by the assassination of Severus Alexander by his own troops in 235 AD. During this era, the unity and longevity of the Roman empire came under threat. It nearly collapsed under the combined pressure of repeated barbarian invasions and migrations, civil wars, peasant rebellions, economic disintegration, and political instability. There were at least 26 claimants to the title of Emperor after the death of Severus Alexander. A major turning point occurred with the Emperor Aurelian (270-275 AD), who successfully reunited the empire and introduced economic reforms that brought about some stability. The ascension of Diocletian (284-305 AD) marked the end of the Crisis of the Third Century BC, and the beginning of the Tetrarchy, a major restructuring of the Roman imperial government. The crisis led to profound changes to imperial society, economy, religion, and politics. Many historians regarding it as characteristic of the transition between the periods of Classical Antiquity and Late Antiquity.

Weight 3.22 g
Dimensions L 1.8 cm
Culture

Region

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Metal

Reference: For a similar item,The British Museum, item R.4326

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