The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
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Reverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC Ch AU 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 rare and enigmatic ancient coin was found October 10, 2007 by metal detector, one of many mid 4th century Roman coins comprising the extraordinary Bridgnorth Hoard. Around the time the Bridgnorth hoard was buried, the Roman Empire was in turmoil. In 350 AD, a group of military and political elite rebelled and slew Constans, the increasingly tyrannical Augustus of the Western Roman Empire. The rebels declared Magnentius as their new Augustus, and he proceeded to consolidate control of Britannia, Hispania, and Gaul. Like any Augustus, he minted coins as propaganda, promoting his image and title on the obverse. For the reverse, he started depicting the Chi Rho symbol, meant to rally Orthodox Christians and oppose the Arian religious view of his rival, the Eastern Roman Empire’s Augustus, Constantius II. Magnentius struck centenionalis coins (typically larger and heavier compared to those of Constantius’) with the Chi Rho reverse at various western mints, including the city of Trier. Curiously, around 353 AD a different coin briefly emerged from the Trier mint. This coin is one such example. Although the size, weight, and reverse mimics Magnentius’ centenionali, the obverse depicts Constantius II. The production of these coins coincided with a revolt in Trier, and written history provides one line, and one name, Poemenius, who was prominent or otherwise elected to represent the counter-rebellion. Constantius eventually reclaimed the city, and no other information about Poemenius was recorded, besides that he was killed for his troubles. Historians and numismatists debate the origin and purpose for these coins. A widely held view asserts that Poemenius minted these coins in anticipation of Constantius’ retaking of the city. This plausible theory may never be proven: all that remains of Poemenius' legacy is the single terse reference and a handful of interesting ancient coins. Perhaps additional ancient treasures are buried still, and will someday reveal more information about Poemenius and the revolt of Trier. Additional Reading: “Usurping a Usurper: The Poemenius Revolt at Trier,” W Holt, J of the Numismatic Association of Australia, Volume 17 (2006), pp. 71-79. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Poemenius(?), AE Centenionalis (6.18 g), Struck 353 AD in Trier, for Constantius II, ex Bridgnorth Hoard, NGC Grade: Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, Reverse: Large Chi-Rho, A-W flanking, SALVS AVG NOSTRI, TRP* in exergue, Reference: RIC VIII 332.

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