Ancient Bronze and Copper - Roman Imperial Bronze - AD350-353 F/VF

Magnentius became emperor in A.D. 350. Although a pagan, political necessity compelled him to strike coins displaying the Chi Rho between the Alpha and the Omega. This marked the first time in Rome`s history that a Christian symbol made up a large portion of the design. Hostilities between Magnentius and Constantius II broke out in A.D. 351. After initially defeating his rival, Magnentius suffered a series of defeats, and committed suicide in A.D. 353.