Help with Ancient Coins please?

[PirateLou]

I have these two roman coins that were converted to cufflinks. I thought they were fake, but it turns out they are the real thing. Any thoughts or opinions on it would be great! I'm trying to find it what time period they are from and who the people are on the coin. What's the composition? Is there a reference site? Any help appreciated.

 

Thanks!

 

Lou

IMG_2376 by BergenPickers.com, on Flickr

IMG_2374 by BergenPickers.com, on Flickr

IMG_2373 by BergenPickers.com, on Flickr

IMG_2372 by BergenPickers.com, on Flickr

IMG_2369 by BergenPickers.com, on Flickr

IMG_2368 by BergenPickers.com, on Flickr

IMG_2367 by BergenPickers.com, on Flickr

[JKK]

From the size I'm guessing they are billon (debased) antoniniani or half antoniniani. There weren't many bearded emperors until the 200s, and I don't think either is Septimius Severus, and they sure aren't Julian II. My guess is you'll find it's one of the mid-200s 'barracks emperors,' who tended to last until the Praetorian Guard finished spending its last donative.

[PovertyRow]

My guess is you'll find it's one of the mid-200s 'barracks emperors,' who tended to last until the Praetorian Guard finished spending its last donative.

 

That was interesting enough to make me look up Praetorian Guard which further enlightened me on "barracks emperors" as well as "donatives". All this from a couple of coins! Amazing.