Magnentius, 350-353. Solidus (Gold, 22 mm, 4.33 g, 6 h), Treveri, 350. IM CAE MAGN-ENTIVS AVG Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Magnentius to right. Rev. VICTORIA•AVG•LIB•ROMANOR / TR Victory, on the left, holding palm frond over her left shoulder, and Libertas, on the right, holding transverse scepter in her left hand, both supporting trophy between them. Bastien 7. Depeyrot 8/1. RIC 247. Rare. A splendid and fresh example with a superb portrait. Two light scratches on the reverse, otherwise, extremely fine.




Magnentius, a comes of Franco-Britannic descent, rebelled on 18 January 350 in Augustodunum (modern Autun) against Constans, who was killed shortly thereafter following a failed escape to Spain. The revolt gained momentum quickly, with Britain, Spain, Africa, and Northern Italy joining the cause in quick succession. However, resistance emerged in the form of Vetranio, an elderly general in Sirmium, who, at the instigation of Constantia, sister of both Constans and Constantius II, secured the loyalty of the Illyrian legions to the Constantinian dynasty.

Meanwhile, Nepotian incited a pro-Christian revolt in Rome against the pagan usurper. Though quickly crushed by Magnentius' magister officiorum, Marcellinus, the revolt bought Constantius II the time needed to conclude peace with the Sasanids and march westward. Magnentius was defeated for the first time in the fierce Battle of Mursa Major on 28 September 351, and again two years later at the Battle of Mons Seleucus in southeastern Gaul. The usurper fled to nearby Lugdunum, where he committed suicide on 10 August 353.