Decentius Centenionalis With Two Victories — Certificate Of Authenticity

Bronze of Decentius / Decentius (Caesar, 350/351–353), a centenionalis struck at Rome (issue of 351/352), with the reverse VICT DD NN AVG ET CAES showing two Victories supporting a votive wreath inscribed VOT / V / MVLT / X: a particularly sought-after type for the strength of its dynastic message and for its central place within the coinage of Magnentius’ circle.

Careful observation under ×10 magnification and raking light: the specimen displays a honey-brown to warm-brown patina that is broadly homogeneous, with regular micro-granulation across the fields and fine, locally duller areas, compatible with ancient circulation and the natural evolution of bronze. Peripheral irregularities are noted (a flan not perfectly circular, small edge knocks, and very slight nicks), typical of this module, without the overall appearance (texture, reliefs, coherence of lettering and style) calling for any immediate objection within the strict limits of visual examination. The reliefs remain well structured, with friction on the high points, while preserving a solid numismatic reading of the determining elements (portrait, mint/officina letter, reverse scene, and exergue).

The type conforms to the expected model: bare-headed (not diademed), draped and cuirassed bust right. The hair is rendered in wavy locks; the eye, nose, and line of the chin remain clearly readable despite centrally focused wear.

The legend MAG DECENTI – VS NOB CAES is perceptible in segments around the circumference (reading dependent on centering), with coherent palaeography (tall, regular, well-spaced letters).

A large B behind the bust is clearly visible: an essential mark for the variant considered and an element of typological coherence with the reference notices.

The reverse follows the canonical scheme: two standing Victories facing one another, supporting between them a wreath bearing the votive inscription VOT / V / MVLT / X arranged in lines, readable despite friction.

The legend VICT DD NN AVG ET CAES can be read around the scene, with the usual peripheral weaknesses on this bronze type.

In the exergue, the mintmark RS is visible, consistent with the descriptions of the Rome series for this type, and decisive for attribution to the retained reference number.

Authority: Decentius / Decentius, Caesar (350/351–353).
Mint: Rome (exergual mark RS).
Date: 351/352
Denomination: Æ Centenionalis.
Obverse: MAG DECENTI – VS NOB CAES, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right; large B behind.
Reverse: VICT DD NN AVG ET CAES, two Victories facing one another holding a wreath inscribed VOT / V / MVLT / X; RS in exergue.
Diameter: 21 mm
Weight: 4.53 g
Reference (bibliography): RIC VII Rome 215 (often cited as “RIC 215” in catalogues).

Decentius is raised to the rank of Caesar by Magnentius in order to consolidate a contested power in the West. The reverse VICT… stages propaganda of victory and unity, while the votive formula VOT V / MVLT X belongs to the official language of vows: vows proclaimed (five years) and hope of duration (ten years), a message particularly meaningful in a politically unstable period.

For a collector, this specimen brings together highly appreciated criteria:

• A sharp, characteristic portrait of a Caesar with a brief reign, within a historically concentrated series.

• A highly legible and “documentary” reverse (two Victories + votive wreath), immediately identifiable and very easy to compare with published specimens.

• An attribution firmly framed by RIC, facilitating the construction of a rigorous numismatic dossier.

In accordance with our practices, each specimen is examined, described, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity consistent with the standards of the art and heritage market; the study is conducted with careful observation under ×10 magnification and raking light, and is based on typological, stylistic, and metrological coherence, as well as comparison with the reference corpora.
The coin is offered with a professional European provenance; the acquisition falls within a specialized international transaction, carried out within a recognized numismatic network and validated by expertise, according to practices applicable to heritage objects.

Careful, secure, and traceable shipping, with protective packaging, insurance, and delivery against signature depending on destination (France / international). The exact terms are confirmed at the time of order according to the delivery address.