Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 138 18-19 May 2023
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Magnentius augustus, 350 – 353.
Solidus, Aquileia circa 351-352, AV 4.58 g. D N MAGNEN – TIVS P F AVG Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. VICTORIA AVG LIB ROMANOR Victory, winged, draped, standing r., and Libertas, draped, standing l., supporting between them a plain shaft carrying a trophy; Victory holding palm over l. shoulder; Libertas holding transverse sceptre in l. hand; Victory's hand supports the shaft above Libertas' hand. C 48. RIC 132. Bastien 343. Depeyrot 7/1.
Very rare. A superb portrait of fine stye, almost invisible marks, otherwise extremely fine
We know Magnentius was of peasant, or even slave, origin, and that in the army he worked his way up from a barbarian contingent to one of the highest ranking field commanders. Clearly their portraits were meant to convey different ideals. The strength of Gallus lay not in his skill or proven record, but rather in his membership to the House of Constantine, whereas with Magnentius we have the opposite, a common man whose success was based on his skill as a soldier and commander. Indeed, the former emperor Constans, who Magnentius had overthrown, was generally despised for his depraved, avaricious and arrogant behaviour. He was especially unpopular with the soldiers, and it no doubt would have been a mistake for Magnentius to step into those regal shoes.
Solidus, Aquileia circa 351-352, AV 4.58 g. D N MAGNEN – TIVS P F AVG Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. VICTORIA AVG LIB ROMANOR Victory, winged, draped, standing r., and Libertas, draped, standing l., supporting between them a plain shaft carrying a trophy; Victory holding palm over l. shoulder; Libertas holding transverse sceptre in l. hand; Victory's hand supports the shaft above Libertas' hand. C 48. RIC 132. Bastien 343. Depeyrot 7/1.
Very rare. A superb portrait of fine stye, almost invisible marks, otherwise extremely fine
We know Magnentius was of peasant, or even slave, origin, and that in the army he worked his way up from a barbarian contingent to one of the highest ranking field commanders. Clearly their portraits were meant to convey different ideals. The strength of Gallus lay not in his skill or proven record, but rather in his membership to the House of Constantine, whereas with Magnentius we have the opposite, a common man whose success was based on his skill as a soldier and commander. Indeed, the former emperor Constans, who Magnentius had overthrown, was generally despised for his depraved, avaricious and arrogant behaviour. He was especially unpopular with the soldiers, and it no doubt would have been a mistake for Magnentius to step into those regal shoes.