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RIC VIII Rome 177

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VIII Rome 177. Denomination: Large AE2. Authority: Magnentius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Magnentius, bareheaded, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP CAE MAGN-ENTIVS AVG.

The reverse shows magnentius, draped, cuirassed, standing right, holding standard with eagle on banner in right hand and olive-branch in left hand; placing left foot on shoulder of a seated captive, with the legend VICTORIA AVG - LIB ROMANOR.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
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 acclaimed Augustus on 18 January 350 after the army in Gaul selected him to replace Constans. After killing Constans, Magnentius secured control over most of the Western Empire. However, Constantius II refused to recognise his legitimacy, sparking three years of civil war that ended when Magnentius was defeated at Mons Seleucus and committed suicide on 10 August 353.

Struck at Rome, this large AE2 bronze and billon issue belongs to an administration deeply concerned with asserting its legitimacy. Lacking dynastic ties to Constantine the Great, Magnentius sought popular support by presenting himself as a liberator who had freed the Western Empire from Constans's tyranny. The reverse legend "VICTORIA AVG - LIB ROMANOR" aligns with this effort, accompanying a scene that depicts Magnentius standing with a standard and an olive branch, placing his foot upon the shoulder of a seated captive, while the obverse names him under the imperial legend "IMP CAE MAGN-ENTIVS AVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Billon; Bronze
Denomination
Large AE2

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Magnentius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Magnentius, bareheaded, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Magnentius, draped, cuirassed, standing right, holding standard with eagle on banner in right hand and olive-branch in left hand; placing left foot on shoulder of a seated captive
Obverse legend
IMP CAE MAGN-ENTIVS AVG
Reverse legend
VICTORIA AVG - LIB ROMANOR

Identification

Type reference
RIC VIII Rome 177
Denomination and metal
Large AE2, Billon; Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAE MAGN-ENTIVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
VICTORIA AVG - LIB ROMANOR
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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