| Obverse description |
Draped and cuirassed bust of Magnentius, bareheaded, right, seen from three quarters forward; an A behind the neck. |
| Obverse script |
Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
DN MAGNENTIVS PF AVG |
| Reverse description |
Two Victories, standing face to face, both holding a shield resting on a cippus, on which is inscribed in four lines `VOT V MVLT X`. |
| Reverse script |
Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE VOT / V / MVLT / X |
| Edge |
Rough |
| Mint |
|
| Mintage |
ND (350) TRS - Treveri, 2nd officina -
|
| Numisquare ID |
1063058820 |
Historical Context: Struck at Treveri (Trier) in 350 CE, this Maiorina reflects Magnentius’s tumultuous reign, an usurper seizing the Western Roman Empire after Constans' assassination. Treveri, a vital imperial mint, became a primary production center. The reverse legend, VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE (Victories of Our Lords, Augusti and Caesars), is potent propaganda, legitimizing Magnentius's precarious rule by invoking shared imperial authority despite looming conflict with Constantius II. This issue epitomizes mid-4th century political instability.
Artistry: The Treveri mint in the mid-4th century reflects evolving Late Roman stylistic conventions; individual engraver signatures are unknown. The style features abstract, monumental forms, often with large, expressive eyes and flattened imperial busts. The reverse, depicting two Victories holding a shield inscribed VOT/V/MVLT/X, showcases stylized drapery and wings. This conveys imperial power and divine favor, prioritizing symbolic clarity over classical naturalism, characteristic of the period's numismatic art.
Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, high-points are crucial. On the obverse, clarity of Magnentius’s portrait—facial features, diadem, and drapery/cuirass details—is key. On the reverse, definition of the two Victories, including facial details, wings, and garment folds, is important. Critically, the inscription on the central shield (VOT/V/MVLT/X) must be legible. Strong strikes, good centering, and minimal flan irregularities, common on bronze issues, significantly enhance its numismatic appeal and grade.