Decentius as Caesar (AD 350-353) – AE Centenionalis, Lugdunum Mint – Two Victories / VOT V MVLT X – RIC VIII 122

Magnentius’ brother and Caesar, Decentius, struck this large bronze at Lugdunum (Lyon) in 351-353 AD during their brief revolt against Constantius II.

The obverse shows a sharp bare-headed and cuirassed bust right, legend D N DECENTIVS NOB CAES. The reverse is the classic VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE type: two winged Victories standing facing each other, together holding a wreath inscribed in four lines VOT / V / MVLT / X, set on a short column. In the exergue, the Lugdunum mintmark RSLG (second officina).

This is the exact type published as RIC VIII Lugdunum 122 – the standard "vows" issue for Decentius as Caesar. 

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Ruler: Decentius, Caesar under Magnentius

• Reign: AD 350/351 – 353 (struck 351-353)

• Denomination: AE2 / Centenionalis (often called maiorina)

• Mint: Lugdunum (Lyon), 2nd officina

• Obverse: D N DECENTIVS NOB CAES – bare-headed, cuirassed bust right

• Reverse: VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE – Two Victories standing facing, holding wreath inscribed VOT V / MVLT X; in exergue RSLG

• Weight: 3.70 g

• Diameter: ∼21-22 mm (typical for issue)

• Metal: Bronze

• Patina: Even brown with light earthen highlights, good metal

• Grade: VF – full legends, clear wreath inscription, minor edge flaw at 1h as struck

• References: RIC VIII Lugdunum 122; LRBC 218; Bastien 167 

HISTORICAL NOTE:

VOT V MVLT X = "vows for five years, for ten more" – a standard imperial vow formula. Decentius never reached his decennalia; after Magnentius' defeat at Mons Seleucus in 353, Decentius hanged himself at Sens. Lugdunum issues like this are the most common for him, but well-centered examples with the full four-line inscription are always in demand.