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RIC VIII Arelate 150

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VIII Arelate 150. Denomination: Large AE2. Authority: Magnentius. Mint: Arelate. 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 constantius II, draped, cuirassed, galloping right, spearing kneeling barbarian with outstretched arms with right hand; below horse, shield and broken spear; star in right field, 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

Chosen by the army to replace the unpopular emperor Constans, he was acclaimed Augustus on 18 January 350. After killing Constans, he secured control of most of the Western Empire. However, Constans's brother, the Eastern emperor Constantius II, refused to acknowledge his legitimacy, resulting in three years of civil war that ended with Magnentius's suicide in August 353.

Struck at the mint of Arelate, this large bronze piece was issued under Magnentius, who lacked dynastic ties to Constantine the Great and spent much of his reign concerned with establishing his imperial legitimacy. The obverse presents the ruler with the legend "D N MAGNEN-TIVS P F AVG", while the reverse bears the legend "GLORIA ROMANORVM" and depicts an emperor spearing a kneeling barbarian, accompanied by a shield and broken spear below the galloping horse.

Physical characteristics

Material
Billon; Bronze
Denomination
Large AE2

Technical characteristics

Mint
Arelate
Authority
Magnentius

Design

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

Identification

Type reference
RIC VIII Arelate 150
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

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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