The Wonderful World of Ancient Coin Collecting
Coinage of the Roman Empire


Obverse
Enlarge  
  
Reverse
Enlarge  

Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC Ch AU Surface: 4/5 Surface: 4/5
Owner: RAM-VT
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Wonderful World of Ancient Coin Collecting
Slot Name: Coinage of the Roman Empire
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

Roman Empire Magnentius AD350-353 AR Denarius RIC 264 Grade: Ch AU; Strike 4/4; Surface 4/5 Census - NGC does not provide census info on ancient coins :>( Obv. IM CAE MAGN – ENTIVS AVG, draped bust of Magnentius r. Rev. FELICITAS – REI PVBLICE, Emperor in military dress stg. l., holding Victory on a globe and standard with Chi-Rho on the banner Flavius Magnus Magnentius (303 – August 11, 353) was a usurper of the Roman Empire (January 18, 350 – August 11, 353). Born in Samarobriva, Gaul, Magnentius was the commander of the Herculians and Iovians, the Imperial guard units. When the army grew dissatisfied with the behavior of Roman Emperor Constans, it elevated Magnentius at Autun on January 18, 350. Constans was abandoned by all except a handful of retainers, and he was slain shortly afterwards by a troop of light cavalry near the Pyrenees. The remaining emperor of the family of Constantine I, Constantius II broke off his war in Syria with Persia, and marched west. Despite Magnentius' efforts to gain Vetranio to his cause, the old general reached Constantius with his army, and resigned the crown. After electing Magnus Decentius (probably his brother) to Caesar and gathering as many troops as possible, the armies of Magnentius and Constantius met in the Battle of Mursa Major in 351; Magnentius led his troops into battle, while Constantius spent the day of battle praying in a nearby church. Despite Magnentius' heroism, his troops were defeated and forced to retreat back to Gaul. As a result of Magnentius' defeat, Italy ejected his garrisons and rejoined the loyalist cause. Magnentius made a final stand in 353 in the Battle of Mons Seleucus, after which he committed suicide by falling on his sword. My cost for this coin was $81

To follow or send a message to this user,
please log in