R23920 Magnentius

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Roman Empire

Ruler:

Magnentius

Reigned:

350 - 353 AD

Denomination:

Billon heavy Maiorina

Date of Issue:

350 AD

Obverse:

Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right. "IM. MAGN-ENTIVS AVG."

Reverse:

Magnentius standing left, holding Victory and labarum. "FELICITAS REIPVBLICE"

Mint marks:

	A
(TRP)

Reference:

RIC VIII 264, RCVM 18791

Weight:

5.4 gms

Nominal Weight:

declining from 5.2 gms

Diameter:

21.5 mm

Magnentius was of barbarian origin.

He was a senior commander under Constans.

Early in 350 AD, while Constans was on a hunting trip to Gaul, he received word that Magnentius had revolted at Augustodunum (Autun).

Constans fled towards Spain but was overtaken and murdered near the fortress of Helene in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Magnentius was recognized in Gaul, Britain, Spain, Africa, and Italy.

He lost Illyricum to Vetranio who was acting on behalf of Constantius II.

In Italy, he had to quell a revolt by Nepotian in 350.

In late 350 or 351, he gave his brother, Decentius, the rank of Caesar, with responibility for the defence of Gaul.

Magnentius then tried to re-take Illyricum but was soundly defeated at the battle of Mursa in September 351.

Italy and Sicily fell in to Constantius in 352.

In 353 Magnentius was defeated in Gaul and besieged in Lugdunum (Lyons).

Accepting defeat, Magnentius killed his mother and younger brother and then committed suicide.