Barbarous imitations of Antonine-era Roman bronzes were produced across the Germanic frontier in considerable volume during the late second and third centuries, almost certainly to fill gaps left by irregular Roman coin supply rather than to deceive. The weight here — nearly 12 grams — is heavier than most surviving examples of this type, suggesting it was cast or struck early in the imitative tradition before progressive debasement of local copying reduced fabric quality.
Barbarous imitations of Antonine-era Roman bronzes were produced across the Germanic frontier in considerable volume during the late second and third centuries, almost certainly to fill gaps left by irregular Roman coin supply rather than to deceive. The weight here — nearly 12 grams — is heavier than most surviving examples of this type, suggesting it was cast or struck early in the imitative tradition before progressive debasement of local copying reduced fabric quality.