Description
Denomination: Bronze double maiorina or majorina
Period: Roman imperial
Date: AD 352-3
Origin: Trier mint
Condition: AVF
Obverse: Bareheaded draped bust of Magnentius. right. legend around DN MAGNENTIVS P F AVG
Reverse: Large chi-rho with A and w either side. TRP in exergue (mint). SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES
Size and Weight: 26mm. 7.7g
References: Sear 18775
Features and Provenance: Born to a British father and Frankish mother in AD 303 this progeny of the entente cordiale joined the army and rose through the ranks to head elite legions. Constans ruled in the western provinces at the time. but was extremely unpopular. Magnentius plotted to overthrow Constans and this usurper knew how to make a dramatic entrance and a bold political statement!
The denouement of the plot played out a birthday party for the son of the finance minister. As if to act as high level witnesses. the room was filled with invited dignitaries. At the height of the party. the host gave a signal and Magnentius appeared wearing imperial robes – he was enthusiastically accepted as Augustus. whilst Constans. fearing for his life. fled and headed for Spain but was killed by supporters of the usurper.
Magnetius ruled part of the empire for three years. during this time. as if a mark of his insecurity. he was never depicted wearing laurels or a diadem on his coins but in all depictions he has an enlarged eye. usually used on coins to convey divinity or dutiful watchfulness. the eye of providence as used by the Masons. He literally fell on his own sword after defeat at the battle of Mons Seleucus.
The portrait does remind me of Elvis Presley.
Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between
Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear
Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear
Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn
Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible
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