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Orbis Collectibles

RIC VIII Lugdunum 170

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VIII Lugdunum 170. Denomination: Small AE2. Authority: Magnentius. Mint: Lugdunum. The obverse shows bust of Magnentius, bareheaded, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend D N MAGNEN-TIVS P F AVG. The reverse shows ☧ flanked by A and ω, with the legend SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
4
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

Magnentius was a Roman general of Germanic descent who had served with distinction in Gaul. On 18 January 350, the army acclaimed him Augustus to replace the unpopular emperor Constans. After quickly killing Constans, Magnentius secured control over most of the Western Roman Empire. Constantius II, brother of Constans, refused to acknowledge his legitimacy, resulting in three years of civil war that ended when Magnentius committed suicide on 10 August 353.

Struck at the mint of Lugdunum, this small AE2 piece was issued under Magnentius's authority as part of his Western administration. Having no dynastic relationship to Constantine the Great, Magnentius sought to assert his legitimacy and gain popular support during his brief reign, pursuing various public and religious reforms. The coin features his imperial obverse title "D N MAGNEN-TIVS P F AVG", while the reverse displays a Christian monogram flanked by alpha and omega with the legend "SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES".

Physical characteristics

Material
Billon; Bronze
Denomination
Small AE2

Technical characteristics

Mint
Lugdunum
Authority
Magnentius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Magnentius, bareheaded, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
☧ flanked by A and ω
Obverse legend
D N MAGNEN-TIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES

Identification

Type reference
RIC VIII Lugdunum 170
Denomination and metal
Small AE2, Billon; Bronze
Obverse legend to match
D N MAGNEN-TIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES
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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