Sale: Triton V, Lot: 2180. Estimate $1500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 16 January 2002.  Sold For $1600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MAGNENTIUS. 350-353 AD. Æ Double Centenionalis (8.88 gm). Amiens mint. D N MAGNEN-TIVS P F AVG, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right / SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES, A-W across field, large Chi-rho; AMB. RIC VIII 34; Bastien 135; LRBC 19; Cohen 30. EF, brown patina, obverse a little porous. Magnificent large portrait of Magnentius. ($1500)

Following the evacuation of Italy in 352, Magnentius issued a new denomination of double value, replacing the centenionalis of the previous 10 years. This new coin of increased weight had little or no silver content and is evidence of the financial trouble faced by Magnentius toward the end of his reign. Although Magnentius restored certain rights to the pagans, the reverse of this coin leaves little doubt as to Magnentius’ religious beliefs.