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RIC VIII Amiens 3

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VIII Amiens 3. Denomination: Large AE2. Authority: Magnentius. Mint: Ambianum. The obverse shows bust of Magnentius, bareheaded, draped, cuirassed, right; A behind bust, with the legend D N MAGNEN-TIVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows magnentius, draped, cuirassed, galloping right, spearing barbarian kneeling below horse with outstretched arms with right hand and holding shield on left arm; below horse, shield and broken spear, with the legend GLORIA ROMANORVM.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Magnus Magnentius was a Roman general of Germanic descent who served in Gaul. Chosen by the army to replace the unpopular Constans, he was acclaimed Augustus on 18 January 350. After killing Constans, Magnentius secured control of most of the Western Empire. Because he lacked dynastic ties to Constantine the Great, the Eastern emperor Constantius II refused to recognise him, prompting three years of civil war until Magnentius's death in 353.

Struck at Ambianum, this large AE2 billon or bronze piece belongs to Magnentius's administration. Seeking popular support during his confrontation with Constantius II, Magnentius presented himself as a liberator of the Western provinces. His obverse title presents him as "D N MAGNEN-TIVS P F AVG", while the reverse carries the legend "GLORIA ROMANORVM" and portrays the ruler on horseback spearing a kneeling barbarian, accompanied by a fallen shield and broken spear.

Physical characteristics

Material
Billon; Bronze
Denomination
Large AE2

Technical characteristics

Mint
Ambianum
Authority
Magnentius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Magnentius, bareheaded, draped, cuirassed, right; A behind bust
Reverse
Magnentius, draped, cuirassed, galloping right, spearing barbarian kneeling below horse with outstretched arms with right hand and holding shield on left arm; below horse, shield and broken spear
Obverse legend
D N MAGNEN-TIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
GLORIA ROMANORVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC VIII Amiens 3
Denomination and metal
Large AE2, Billon; Bronze
Obverse legend to match
D N MAGNEN-TIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
GLORIA ROMANORVM
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC VIII Amiens 4

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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