Magnentius (AD 350–353) Roman Empire AE2 BI Centenionalis NGC Ch VF

Magnentius — Coinage of a Divided Roman Empire

This late Roman coin represents Magnentius, a military commander who challenged the dynasty of Constantine in the western empire. His brief reign provides a direct connection to the civil wars that shaped Roman government in the middle of the fourth century.

Coin Details

• Ruler: Magnentius
• Reign and issue period: AD 350–353
• Empire/region: Roman Empire; western territories under Magnentius
• Denomination: Centenionalis; AE2 size classification
• Composition: BI — billon, a copper-rich alloy containing silver
• NGC grade: Ch VF — Choice Very Fine
• Sheldon-scale equivalent: 30–35
• Quantity supplied: One encapsulated coin

The Sheldon-scale number is an equivalent associated with the stated ancient-coin grade; it is not a separate numerical grade assigned to the coin.

Magnentius and His Place in Roman History

Magnentius was proclaimed emperor in Gaul in AD 350. The western emperor Constans was killed during the revolt, and Magnentius gained control of much of the West. His principal rival was Constantius II, Constantine’s surviving son, who would not accept the new regime as a permanent partner in imperial power.

The struggle drew resources into a destructive civil war. Magnentius suffered a major defeat at Mursa in AD 351, then lost ground in Italy and Gaul. After another defeat in AD 353, his cause collapsed and he died. His coins preserve the public identity of a government that functioned for only a few years but controlled important territories and mints.

What the Coin Tells Us

The terms used for late Roman base-metal coinage can be confusing. “AE2” is a modern size classification, not an ancient value stamped on the coin. This offering uses the catalog denomination centenionalis and the composition abbreviation BI for billon; neither supplies an exact weight or silver percentage for the individual example.

Portraits, titles and reverse designs helped Magnentius present his rule as legitimate. Different issues employed different imagery, and the design visible in a stock photograph is not a promise of the same reverse on every coin. The historical interest lies in holding currency issued by a rival imperial administration during its contest with Constantius II.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one AE2-size billon centenionalis of Magnentius in an NGC Ancients holder, graded Ch VF (Choice Very Fine). A specific mint, issue year, reverse design, inscription, weight or diameter is not promised unless expressly stated above.

Stock-photo notice: The photographs are representative of the product offering. The coin supplied may differ from the pictured example in portrait style, reverse design, inscriptions, centering, toning, surface appearance and other individual characteristics while remaining within the stated coin type and any expressly stated grade.