Follis of Magnetius (Imitation?)

Creator

Preview

Creation Date

350–353 CE

Culture

Roman

Medium

Bronze

Credit Line

Bequest of David P. Harris ('46), 2020

Accession Number

2020.454.10

Provenance

Purchased by David P. Harris from Julia Schottlander (Tetragon) on October 31, 1992.

Description

The obverse features a bust of the emperor in right profile. The reverse features the chi rho with the letters alpha and omega, to the left and right. While the chi rho is properly oriented, the inscription along the edge appears to be backwards. This suggests the coin may be an ancient imitation; see Pierre Bastien, "Imitations of Roman Bronze Coins, A.D. 318-363," Museum Notes (American Numismatic Society) 30 (1985), pp. 143-177.