I'm still learning about barbarous coinage, this is what I know so far. Barbaraous coins where struck in the outlying areas of the Empire to help satisfy demand for small bronze fractional coinage. Apparently the Empire was either unable, or unwilling to supply coinage to meet the everyday need people had for making small change, so the need was filled locally. Evidently these coins circulated with the Empire, at the very least, turning a blind eye to them.

The styles can range from nearly official looking coins, to down right ugly! Most have botched legends, ranging from slight spelling errors to pure gibberish. The coins I have exhibit the IIIIIIII legends typically for the barbarous coins. I am intrigued by these coins and wish to learn more. If you have any suggestions for books or websites, please e-mail me.

AE 4 16mm, 2.18g

Obv: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust right

REV II II II II II II II II II Two victories placing a shield on an altar II II in exergue

AE 4 17mm 3.29g

Obv: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust right

REV II II II II II II II II II Two victories placing a shield on an altar IIIII in exergue

AE 3 18mm 2.91g

Obv: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust right

REV II II II II II II II II II Two victories placing a shield on an altar

AE 4 14mm .98g

Obv: IIIIIIIIIIII Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right

Rev: IIIIIIIIII Figure (Jupiter?) stg facing, head lt, chlamys over lt shoulder, scepter in lt hand, figure (victory?) in rt. Eagle with wreath by feet T in right field, SS on sides in exergue

ERIC plate coin Thanks Ras!!

AE 3 17mm 2.44g

Obv:DOVVPVVPVVPVVCVVC Helmeted cuirassed bust right

Rev: DVVODVOVVCOVVOD Two victories placing wreath on altar..uncertain symbols in exergue

AE 3 18mm 2.44g

Obv: Uncertain characters, Helmeted cuirassed bust right

Rev: Uncertain characters Two victories placing wreath on altar..uncertain symbols in exergue