Magnentius
Imperator Caesar Magnus Magnentius Augustus
Flavius Magnus Magnentius was a military commander of Germanic origin who led the coup that murdered Constans in 350. He ruled the West for three years, governing capably and attempting to stabilise the Rhine frontier. His coinage includes the remarkable Chi-Rho reverse types, one of the most explicit Christian symbols to appear on Roman coins, apparently as a bid for Christian support. He was decisively defeated by Constantius II at Mursa Major (351), one of the bloodiest battles in Roman history, and committed suicide in 353.
Magnentius's Chi-Rho maiorina types are among the most historically significant and actively collected late Roman bronzes. They represent the most explicit Christian imagery on a Roman coin before the Byzantine period and are regularly the highlight of late Roman lots at auction.
Key Events
Coinage
The coinage of Magnentius is numismatically remarkable. His large bronze maiorina types are well-struck and visually striking. Most famous are the Chi-Rho reverse types, featuring the Christian monogram flanked by Alpha and Omega, which are among the most explicit Christian symbols on any Roman coin. These types (usually on the large AE1 or AE2 maiorina) are highly collected and prized. His portrait shows a powerful, heavy-featured man with a pronounced jaw.
Denominations
Notable Types
- Chi-Rho (labarum) with Alpha-Omega reverse, his most celebrated type
- VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE types
- GLORIA ROMANORVM types
- Decentius Caesar joint types
Common Reverses
Active Mints
Related Resources
Further Reading
- Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume VIII,
- Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume IV,