Maiorina (Centenionalis) – ca. 350–353 AD – Rome Mint – Roman Imperial Coin in Capsule Description: This Maiorina, also known as a Centenionalis, was struck in Rome during the brief and turbulent reign of Magnentius (350–353 AD), a usurper who rose to power amidst political fragmentation in the Western Roman Empire. Claiming to restore Roman values and stability, Magnentius positioned himself as a legitimate emperor, but quickly found himself in a deadly struggle with Constantius II, the Eastern Roman Emperor. This coin encapsulates the propaganda and ideological aspirations of his short-lived regime. Preserved in a protective capsule, it stands as a striking witness to one of the bloodiest chapters in late Roman history. Coin Details: Type: Maiorina (Centenionalis) Date: ca. 350–353 AD Mint: Rome The obverse features the inscription D N MAGNENTIVS P F AVG, surrounding a draped and cuirassed bust of Magnentius facing right. A gamma (Γ) appears behind the bust—likely a control mark or officina designation. The emperor is portrayed in classical Roman military dress, reinforcing his image as a strong and capable restorer of the Roman order. On the reverse, the inscription VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAES ("To the Victories of Our Lords the Augustus and the Caesar") surrounds two standing Victories, facing each other and jointly holding a shield inscribed with VOT V / MVLT X ("Vows for five years, promises for ten"). This common votive formula symbolized loyalty, continuity, and hope for stability. The twin Victory motif echoes a longing for unity and success—something increasingly elusive as Magnentius’s position deteriorated. Historical Context: Magnentius, a senior military commander of Germanic origin, staged a coup in 350 AD and was proclaimed emperor by his troops in Augustodunum (modern Autun). His rise came during a time of division and instability in the Western Empire, following the assassination of Emperor Constans. Magnentius adopted traditional Roman imagery and values in his coinage to legitimize his claim, appealing to senatorial elites and conservative factions. However, his authority was never accepted by Constantius II, the son of Constantine the Great. The two eventually clashed in 351 AD at the Battle of Mursa Major, a catastrophic confrontation resulting in massive casualties—perhaps over 50,000 soldiers. Though Magnentius survived the battle, his defeat marked the beginning of the end. Deserted by allies and hemmed in militarily, he was forced to retreat to Gaul. In 353 AD, facing imminent capture, he committed suicide, ending his brief rule and clearing the way for Constantius to reunify the empire under his sole control. Origin of the Coin: Struck in Rome, the traditional heart of the Empire, this coin reflects both Magnentius’s aspirations and the propaganda tools of late Roman politics. The imagery of the victories and vows was not merely ceremonial—it was an urgent attempt to stabilize his rule and project imperial continuity. The use of Greek letters like Γ shows the increasingly complex and multicultural nature of the late empire, even in its Western centers. This coin serves as a poignant artifact from the twilight of Western imperial cohesion, bearing witness to an ambitious yet doomed bid for power in one of Rome’s most violent political crises.