Magnentius had been a usurper in Gaul while Constantius II was in the east. This type is attributed to the "Revolt of Poemenius" at Trier (as described by Ammianus in Lives of the Later Caesars) during the caesarship of Decentius, brother of Magnentius. Struck 352 or 353, in the last months of the reign of Magnetius and Decentius. SALVS AVG NOSTRI (instead of SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES) large chi-rho with small alpha (A) and omega (ω) on either side. The Hunter collection catalog, volume 5, illustrates one, in much worse condition than this one, and a recent book has an excellent example on the cover.Ī type very similar to that of Magnentius (the first coin on this page) was issued in the name of Constantius II at Trier in the last months of the reign of Magnentius: None have been in major auctions for more than 30 years, if ever. Note for collectors: Coins of Crispus are common and this reverse type is common, but this variety with the chi-rho on the shield is extremely rare and desirable. It shows a bold chi-rho symbol on the shield held by Crispus (as described by Lactantius, on a linked page with more details). RIC Trier 372Ĭrispus was the first son of Constantine and was executed in 326, so even if the RIC date is not precise, this type certainly was issued at the latest in 326 (no more than 14 years after the battle of the Milvian Bridge) when many people would have remembered the event and understood the reference. The shield has a bold chi-rho on it.īEATA TRAN - QUILLITAS around votive altar inscribed VO/TIS/XX, with globe on top and *** above.
IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES ("IVL" for "Julius")īust of laureate Crispus left, holding spear in his right hand pointing back over his right far shoulder and holding a shield in his left hand. (Discussed in greater detail on this linked page).Īn earlier extremely rare coin of Crispus makes it certain that the Christian "sign" was a chi-rho. ("With the sign, you will be victorious"). HOC SIGNO VICTOR ERIS (beginning at 7:00) With the legend consisting of the famous words reportedly said by God to Constantine in his vision before the decisive battle of the Milvian bridge: (This type is discussed in greater detail on this linked page.)Ī small chi-rho on a standard (a "labarum") held by the emperor who is being crowned by Victory, With a large chi-rho (chi, X, and rho, P, which are the first letters in, and when crossed like this, an abbreviation for, Christ = CHRistus)įlanked by A, alpha, and ω (the beginning and the end-of the Greek alphabet-another Christian reference). The first type featuring a Christian symbol, the chi-rho.Īn early Christian type on a large (27 mm) copper coin of the
What's new? 2022, April 3: Three types of Magnentius added to Table 6 (6.7, 6.8, and 6.9). Skip down to the illustrated list of reverse types. The early symbols are either a cross or a chi-rho ( ), and finallyģ) gives an illustrated list in chronological order, of possible Christian references on Roman AE (copper) coins prior to AD 364 (Valentinian's reign began in 364, after which most Roman coins displayed Christian symbols.) On coins minted under Constantine there are only some veiled references to Christianity, but soon the frequency of Christian references increased and by 350 Christian references became overt.Ģ) discusses Christian symbols, which occur on coins before Christian types appear. By the end of his reign in 337 it was the religion favored by the state. Only a few years before his reign the emperors were still supporting the old gods and severely persecuting Christians, but Constantine advocated for the Christian God and became very involved in church matters. The first indications of Christianity on Roman coins occur under emperor Constantine who ruled 307-337 AD. An overview and a comprehensive list of copper coins to AD 364.
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