The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
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Reverse
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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 from the remarkable Bridgnorth Hoard (for more information, see the comments under Poemenius’ centenionalis). The obverse of this particular coin depicts Flavius Magnus Decentius (died 353 AD), as Caesar serving under his 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. This centenionalis 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 Empire’s eastern territories. Constantius took umbrage with the situation in the west; Magnentius and Decentius attempted reconciliation, and employed coinage as propaganda to promote their cause. This reverse of this coin is a clear example. Depicted are 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, the epithet VOT V MVLT X implies that five years of vows are paid, with ten years more service to follow. The timing doesn’t seem top add up; Decentius would not manage to complete even five, never mind ten, years of service 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, Chi Rho symbol above wreath, star AMB dot in crescent in exergue, VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE, Reference: RIC VIII Amiens 32.

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