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This rare and enigmatic ancient coin was discovered on October 10, 2007, by a metal detectorist, one of many mid-fourth-century Roman coins comprising the extraordinary Bridgnorth Hoard. Around the time this hoard was buried, the Roman Empire was in turmoil. In 350 AD, a group of military and political elites rebelled and slew Constans, the increasingly tyrannical Augustus of the Western Roman Empire. The rebels declared Magnentius as their new Augustus, and he proceeded to consolidate control over Britannia, Hispania, and Gaul.
Like any Augustus, Magnentius struck coins as propaganda, promoting his image and title on the obverse. For the reverse, he began prominently depicting the Chi-Rho symbol. This was a calculated move meant to rally orthodox Christians to his cause and oppose the controversial Arian religious views of his rival, the Eastern Roman Empire’s Augustus, Constantius II. Magnentius struck these centenionalis coins — typically larger and heavier than those of Constantius II — with the grand Chi-Rho reverse at various Western mints, including the pivotal city of Trier.
Curiously, around 353 AD, a distinctly different coin briefly emerged from the Trier mint, of which the current ancient bronze is a prime example. Although its size, weight, and reverse motif perfectly mimic one of Magnentius’s centenionales, the obverse clearly depicts his mortal enemy, Constantius II. The production of these bizarre coins coincided with a sudden revolt in Trier against Magnentius's rule. The written historical record provides only a single line and a single name regarding this event: Poemenius, who was apparently a prominent citizen elected to lead this counter-rebellion. Constantius II eventually reclaimed the city, but no further information about Poemenius was ever recorded, other than the grim footnote that he was executed for his troubles.
Historians and numismatists continue to debate the exact origin and purpose of these coins. A widely held view asserts that Poemenius usurped the Trier mint and struck these coins in Constantius II's name in anticipation of the Eastern Emperor retaking the city, hoping to quickly prove his loyalty. This highly plausible theory may never be definitively proven. All that remains of Poemenius's legacy is that single terse historical reference and a handful of fascinating ancient coins. Perhaps additional ancient treasures still lie buried, waiting to someday reveal more information about the mysterious Poemenius and the brief, doomed revolt of Trier.
Additional Reading: “Usurping a Usurper: The Poemenius Revolt at Trier,” W. Holt, Journal of the Numismatic Association of Australia, Volume 17 (2006), pp. 71-79.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Poemenius (?), AE Centenionalis (6.18 g), Struck 353 AD in Trier, for Constantius II, ex Bridgnorth Hoard. NGC Grade: Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5. Obverse: Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG. Reverse: Large Chi-Rho, Alpha and Omega flanking, SALVS AVG NOSTRI, TRP* in exergue. Reference: RIC VIII 332.
Image: Sony ɑ 7R Ⅴ camera / Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens.