The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
Enlarge  
  
Reverse
Enlarge  

Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC MS Strike: 4/5 Surface: 5/5
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

This coin represents one of several in this collection discovered as part of the remarkable Bridgnorth Hoard (for more information, see the comments under Poemenius’ centenionalis. The obverse depicts Flavius Magnus Decentius (??? – 353), as Caesar under his relative (probably brother) Augustus – or usurper, depending on the bias - Magnentius. The latter rose to power after the assassination of the previous Augustus in the west, Constans. The coin was struck in Ambianum (Amiens) after Decentius’ appointment and subsequent assignment to defend Gaul, which was under pressure from Germanic tribes roused by Constantius II, Augustus of the eastern provinces of the Empire. The latter took umbrage with the situation in the west. Magnentius and Decentius did what they could to improve their image, including promoting propaganda on coinage. This reverse of this coin is a good example. Depicted are not one, but two Victories facing one another, holding a wreath. The design is a slight adaption of a motif employed widely by Constantius II and Constans, where each Victory holds their own wreath. Perhaps on the current coin, having the two Victories hold the same wreath might by interpreted as unity, either between the east and west, Magnentius and Decentius, or the leaders and their military. Inscribed inside the wreath is the epithet VOT V MVLT X, which implies that five year vows are paid, and a vow to continue service to ten years. The timing doesn’t seem top add up, but no matter, Decentius would not manage to complete five years (never mind ten) as Caesar. Magnentius, after retreating to the point where his realm was limited to Gaul, and perhaps also Britannia, finally accepted defeat and committed suicide in 353 AD. Days later, his Caesar joined him. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Decentius, 350-353 AD, AE2 (Billon centenionalis) (4.576 g), Ambianum (Amiens), NGC Grade: MS, Surface: 4/5, Strike: 5/5, Obverse: Bareheaded, cuirassed bust right, DN DECENTIVS NOB CAES, Reverse: Two Victories standing facing each other, holding between them a wreath inscribed VOT V MVLT X, ChiRho symbol above wreath, star AMB dot in crescent in exergue, VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE, Reference: RIC VIII Amiens 32.

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