Danh mục
| Đơn vị phát hành | Western provinces, Usurpations of |
|---|---|
| Năm | 351-353 |
| Loại | Standard circulation coin |
| Mệnh giá | Maiorina |
| Tiền tệ | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Chất liệu | Bronze |
| Trọng lượng | 4 g |
| Đường kính | 21 mm |
| Độ dày | |
| Hình dạng | Round (irregular) |
| Kỹ thuật | Hammered |
| Hướng | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Nghệ nhân khắc | |
| Lưu hành đến | |
| Tài liệu tham khảo | RIC VIII#180, OCRE#ric.8.ar.180 |
| Mô tả mặt trước | Bust of Decentius, bareheaded, cuirassed, right; A behind bust. |
|---|---|
| Chữ viết mặt trước | Latin |
| Chữ khắc mặt trước | D N DECENTIVS CAESAR |
| Mô tả mặt sau | Two Victories, winged, draped, facing each other, holding between them a wreath inscribed VOT/V/MVL/X, ∈ on IS in field between Victories. |
| Chữ viết mặt sau | Latin |
| Chữ khắc mặt sau | VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE |
| Cạnh | |
| Xưởng đúc | |
| Số lượng đúc |
ND (351-353) PAR - 1st Officina - ND (351-353) SAR - 2nd Officina - |
| ID Numisquare | 1123940220 |
| Thông tin bổ sung |
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.