Roman coin of Magentius (heads). Scale in millimeters
From the collections at RAMM, Accession No.20/1928
Roman coin of Magentius (tails). Scale in millimeters
From the collections at RAMM, Accession No. 20/1928
A local find
By Sarah, Curator of West Exe and Oliver Blackmore, Assistant Curator of Antiquities
This Roman coin one was found many years ago at Cowick Fields, near the River Exe. Coins haven't changed much since the first ones were made for Celtic leaders during the Iron Age. This Roman coin is more than 1,650 years old. Coins today still show the head of the leader of the country where they were made. Coin specialists call this the obverse side. Most people call the other side tails. Coin specialists call it the reverse side.
This coin shows the Emperor Magentius holding a symbol of Victory. The stick in his other hand is called a Standard. The shape on the top of his Standard shows that he was a Christian. The Latin words are FELICITAS REPVBLICA. They mean "the happiness of the Republic".
Please see another Roman coin that was found by the Alphington Road.
Please see a group of Roman coins that were found in St. Thomas.