© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Æ In the name of Magnentius
| Bronze | 3.99 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Uncertain Germanic tribes |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 353-400 |
| Currency | Solidus (circa 301-750) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 3.99 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#153981 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Chi rho with letter on either side and surrounded by legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
SALVS DD NN HVC ET CHES
A - W
PLC
Translation:
[Salus Dominus Noster Augustus Et Caesar]
[The health of our August and Caesar]
Edge
Plain
Comment
This coin is said to be struck from the mid-4th to early-5th centuries. With the prototypes for these coins struck in Lugdunum/Lyon, and with those types being first struck in 353, that is the most-likely beginning date for this entire type of AE struck by an Uncertain Germanic Tribe.The denominations of bronze coins that are unknown to numismatists are referred to as Æ (AE), followed by the coin's diameter. The Æ part simply means the coin is made of a base alloy, and because the diameter of these coins is never exactly as intended, different numbers can appear after the Æ for the same type.
The exact lettering of the surrounding legend may vary.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was issued during the reign of Magnentius, a usurper of the Western Roman Empire, and features an image of him on one side, while the other side bears the inscription "GENEROSO POPVLORVM ROMANORVM" or "to the generous people of the Romans." Despite being issued by a usurper, the coin was still widely accepted and used throughout the empire, indicating the level of support that Magnentius had among the people.
