Bronze Coin - AE Centenionalis, Ancient Rome, c. 350 AD.
Ruler: Vetranio
Obv: Laureate, draped & cuirassed bust, right
Rev: Vetranio standing, labarum in each hand
Mint: Thessalonica
Sear-R-3941, 25mm, 5.07gm. Extremely Fine Condition and Scarce - reigned less than 1 year !
An exceptional example of this desirable coin. Perfectly centered, and such strong detail that the Christian Chi-Rho symbol can be clearly seen in each of the labarum standards on the reverse of the coin !!!
After the death of Constans, the soldiers of the Illyrian army were undecided as to whether they should support Magnentius, or express their allegiance to Constantius II. Eventually they were persuaded by Constantia, the sister of Constantius, to proclaim their commander, Vetranio, emperor. Vetranio immediately expressed his loyaly to Constantius, and held Magnentius in check whilst Constantius was settling the affairs of the East. Towards the end of the year, Constantius arrived to take command of the situation in person, and Vetranio formally abdicated in his presence. The ex-emperor was granted an estate at Prusa in Bithynia where he spent his last six years of his life in peace and comfort.
