Maiorina - Decentius VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE, Arelate

発行体 Western provinces, Usurpations of
年号 351-353
種類 Standard circulation coin
額面 Maiorina
通貨 Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
材質 Bronze
重量 4 g
直径 21 mm
厚さ
形状 Round (irregular)
製造技法 Hammered
向き Variable alignment ↺
彫刻師
流通終了年
参考文献 RIC VIII#180, OCRE#ric.8.ar.180
表面の説明 Bust of Decentius, bareheaded, cuirassed, right; A behind bust.
表面の文字体系 Latin
表面の銘文 D N DECENTIVS CAESAR
裏面の説明 Two Victories, winged, draped, facing each other, holding between them a wreath inscribed VOT/V/MVL/X, ∈ on IS in field between Victories.
裏面の文字体系 Latin
裏面の銘文 VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE
鋳造所
鋳造数 ND (351-353) PAR - 1st Officina -
ND (351-353) SAR - 2nd Officina -
Numisquare ID 1123940220
追加情報

Historical Context: This Maiorina coin, issued 351-353 AD, belongs to Decentius, Caesar under his brother Magnentius, during their usurpation of the Western Roman Empire. Struck at Arelate (Arles), a significant mint, it reflects a tumultuous period of civil war against Constantius II. The legend VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE (Victories of Our Lords the Augustus and Caesar) boldly asserts their contested legitimacy and military prowess, despite their ultimate defeat in 353 AD, which ended their brief, violent reign.

Artistry: The coin exemplifies the Late Roman Imperial stylistic school, moving from classical naturalism towards abstract, hieratic representation. While specific engravers are anonymous, their work reflects propaganda urgency. The obverse typically features a stylized, often frontal, bust of Decentius. The reverse design for RIC VIII#180 depicts two Victories holding a shield inscribed VOT/V/MVLT/X, a powerful visual declaration of the usurpers' claimed military success and anticipated longevity, characteristic of the era's numismatic messaging and the mint's artistic conventions.

Technical/Grading: This bronze Maiorina, weighing 4 grams and measuring 21 millimeters, often exhibits variable strike quality typical of the period's mass production. High-points for grading include the emperor's hair, nose, and the intricate details of the Victories' wings and drapery. Well-struck examples show full, clear legends and crisp devices. However, off-center strikes, planchet irregularities, and die wear are common, impacting preservation. A superior strike is essential for appreciating the full iconographic message and the fine details of this historically significant issue.

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