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<p>[QUOTE="ancient coin hunter, post: 3043651, member: 87200"]Born in Samarobriva (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amiens" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amiens" rel="nofollow">Amiens</a>), <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaul" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaul" rel="nofollow">Gaul</a>, Magnentius was the commander of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jovians_and_Herculians" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jovians_and_Herculians" rel="nofollow">Herculians and Jovians</a>, the Imperial guard units. When the army grew dissatisfied with the behavior of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Emperor" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Emperor" rel="nofollow">Roman Emperor</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constans" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constans" rel="nofollow">Constans</a>, it elevated Magnentius at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autun" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autun" rel="nofollow">Autun</a> on January 18, 350. Constans was abandoned by all except a handful of retainers, and he was slain shortly afterwards by a troop of light <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavalry" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavalry" rel="nofollow">cavalry</a> near the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrenees" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrenees" rel="nofollow">Pyrenees</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>Magnentius quickly attracted the loyalty of the provinces in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Britain" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Britain" rel="nofollow">Britannia</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaul" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaul" rel="nofollow">Gaul</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispania" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispania" rel="nofollow">Hispania</a>, in part because he proved to be far more tolerant towards both <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity" rel="nofollow">Christians</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paganism" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paganism" rel="nofollow">Pagans</a>. His control on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italia_(Roman_province)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italia_(Roman_province)" rel="nofollow">Italia</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa_(Roman_province)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa_(Roman_province)" rel="nofollow">Africa</a> was applied through the election of his men to the most important offices. However, the short-lived revolt of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepotianus" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepotianus" rel="nofollow">Nepotianus</a>, a member of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantinian_dynasty" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantinian_dynasty" rel="nofollow">Constantinian dynasty</a>, showed Magnentius that his status as emperor was to be consolidated against the members of that dynasty.</p><p><br /></p><p>Magnentius tried to strengthen his grasp on the territories previously controlled by Constans, moving towards the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danube" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danube" rel="nofollow">Danube</a>. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetranio" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetranio" rel="nofollow">Vetranio</a>, commander of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pannonia" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pannonia" rel="nofollow">Pannonian</a> army, had been elected <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_(title)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_(title)" rel="nofollow">Augustus</a> by his troops in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osijek" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osijek" rel="nofollow">Mursa</a> on 1 March. This revolt had a loyalist mark, since Vetranio was supported by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantina" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantina" rel="nofollow">Constantina</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantius_II" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantius_II" rel="nofollow">Constantius II</a> himself recognized Vetranio, sending him the imperial diadem.</p><p><br /></p><p>The remaining emperor of the family of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_I" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_I" rel="nofollow">Constantine I</a>, Constantius II broke off his war in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria_(Roman_province)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria_(Roman_province)" rel="nofollow">Syria</a> with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sassanid_dynasty" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sassanid_dynasty" rel="nofollow">Persia</a>, and marched west. Despite Magnentius' efforts to gain Vetranio to his cause, the elderly Vetranio reached Constantius with his army, resigned the crown, and went into retirement in Bithynia.</p><p><br /></p><p>After electing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decentius" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decentius" rel="nofollow">Magnus Decentius</a> (probably his brother) as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesar_(title)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesar_(title)" rel="nofollow">Caesar</a> and gathering as many troops as possible, Magnentius advanced his armies to meet those of Constantius in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mursa_Major" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mursa_Major" rel="nofollow">Battle of Mursa Major</a> in 351; Magnentius led his troops into battle, while Constantius spent the day of battle praying in a nearby church. Despite Magnentius' heroism, his troops were defeated and forced to retreat back to Gaul.</p><p><br /></p><p>As a result of Magnentius' defeat, Italy ejected his garrisons and rejoined the loyalist cause. Magnentius made a final stand in 353 in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mons_Seleucus" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mons_Seleucus" rel="nofollow">Battle of Mons Seleucus</a>, after which he committed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide" rel="nofollow">suicide</a> by falling on his sword.</p><p><br /></p><p>Following the suppression of Magnentius' rebellion, Constantius commanded an investigation be made to find his followers. The most notorious agent in this search was the <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primicerius_notariorum" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primicerius_notariorum" rel="nofollow">primicerius notariorum</a></i> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulus_Catena" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulus_Catena" rel="nofollow">Paulus Catena</a> ("Paul the Chain"). [Wikipedia]</p><p><br /></p><p>This coin was gleaned in [USER=42773]@John Anthony[/USER] 's auction of last week.</p><p><br /></p><p>Magnentius, A.D. 350-353</p><p><br /></p><p>AE Majorina, 22mm, 7.2 grams, 6H</p><p><br /></p><p>Trier mint</p><p><br /></p><p>Obverse: IM CAE MAGNENTIVS AVG</p><p> Bare-headed, draped, and cuirassed bust right</p><p><br /></p><p>Reverse: FELICITAS REIPVBLICAE</p><p> Magnentius standing slightly left, head left, Victory on globe in right hand, labarum in left; A in right field //TRS, crescent in exergue</p><p><br /></p><p>Reference: RIC VIII Trier 264</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]760123[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]760124[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="ancient coin hunter, post: 3043651, member: 87200"]Born in Samarobriva ([URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amiens']Amiens[/URL]), [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaul']Gaul[/URL], Magnentius was the commander of the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jovians_and_Herculians']Herculians and Jovians[/URL], the Imperial guard units. When the army grew dissatisfied with the behavior of [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Emperor']Roman Emperor[/URL][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constans']Constans[/URL], it elevated Magnentius at [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autun']Autun[/URL] on January 18, 350. Constans was abandoned by all except a handful of retainers, and he was slain shortly afterwards by a troop of light [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavalry']cavalry[/URL] near the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrenees']Pyrenees[/URL]. Magnentius quickly attracted the loyalty of the provinces in [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Britain']Britannia[/URL], [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaul']Gaul[/URL], and [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispania']Hispania[/URL], in part because he proved to be far more tolerant towards both [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity']Christians[/URL] and [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paganism']Pagans[/URL]. His control on [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italia_(Roman_province)']Italia[/URL] and [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa_(Roman_province)']Africa[/URL] was applied through the election of his men to the most important offices. However, the short-lived revolt of [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepotianus']Nepotianus[/URL], a member of the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantinian_dynasty']Constantinian dynasty[/URL], showed Magnentius that his status as emperor was to be consolidated against the members of that dynasty. Magnentius tried to strengthen his grasp on the territories previously controlled by Constans, moving towards the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danube']Danube[/URL]. [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetranio']Vetranio[/URL], commander of the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pannonia']Pannonian[/URL] army, had been elected [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_(title)']Augustus[/URL] by his troops in [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osijek']Mursa[/URL] on 1 March. This revolt had a loyalist mark, since Vetranio was supported by [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantina']Constantina[/URL], and [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantius_II']Constantius II[/URL] himself recognized Vetranio, sending him the imperial diadem. The remaining emperor of the family of [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_I']Constantine I[/URL], Constantius II broke off his war in [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria_(Roman_province)']Syria[/URL] with [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sassanid_dynasty']Persia[/URL], and marched west. Despite Magnentius' efforts to gain Vetranio to his cause, the elderly Vetranio reached Constantius with his army, resigned the crown, and went into retirement in Bithynia. After electing [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decentius']Magnus Decentius[/URL] (probably his brother) as [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesar_(title)']Caesar[/URL] and gathering as many troops as possible, Magnentius advanced his armies to meet those of Constantius in the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mursa_Major']Battle of Mursa Major[/URL] in 351; Magnentius led his troops into battle, while Constantius spent the day of battle praying in a nearby church. Despite Magnentius' heroism, his troops were defeated and forced to retreat back to Gaul. As a result of Magnentius' defeat, Italy ejected his garrisons and rejoined the loyalist cause. Magnentius made a final stand in 353 in the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mons_Seleucus']Battle of Mons Seleucus[/URL], after which he committed [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide']suicide[/URL] by falling on his sword. Following the suppression of Magnentius' rebellion, Constantius commanded an investigation be made to find his followers. The most notorious agent in this search was the [I][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primicerius_notariorum']primicerius notariorum[/URL][/I] [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulus_Catena']Paulus Catena[/URL] ("Paul the Chain"). [Wikipedia] This coin was gleaned in [USER=42773]@John Anthony[/USER] 's auction of last week. Magnentius, A.D. 350-353 AE Majorina, 22mm, 7.2 grams, 6H Trier mint Obverse: IM CAE MAGNENTIVS AVG Bare-headed, draped, and cuirassed bust right Reverse: FELICITAS REIPVBLICAE Magnentius standing slightly left, head left, Victory on globe in right hand, labarum in left; A in right field //TRS, crescent in exergue Reference: RIC VIII Trier 264 [ATTACH=full]760123[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]760124[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]
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