The Journey of this “Orichalcum” Coin
 
Birth in Arelate (Arles) — Circa AD 383–388
In a bustling mint workshop beside the Rhône River, molten metal—rich in copper and zinc—was poured into blank flans. A worker placed each blank between engraved dies. With a swing of a hammer, the metal was struck, capturing forever the diademed portrait of Emperor Magnus Maximus on the obverse and a dramatic “REPARATIO REIPVB” scene on the reverse. Fresh from the coining press, your orichalcum-toned coin gleamed with promise under the southern Gallic sun.
 
The Emperor’s Pay Chest
Bundled in a leather pouch, the newly minted coins were soon counted and sealed into a larger pay chest for distribution to soldiers. Magnus Maximus, anxious to secure loyalty among his troops, needed ample coin to fund their wages. As legionaries marched, patrolled, or loaded galleys, the chest followed close behind, guarded under watchful eyes.
 
Crossing Gaul
Once paid to a cavalry officer, the coin clinked in his purse as he rode from Arles northward, past vineyards and fortified towns. Gaul in the late 4th century was both lively and tense—barbarian pressures on the frontiers, uncertain loyalty to rival emperors, and constant troop movements. Your coin bought supplies, lodging, or a celebratory drink, changing hands among merchants, innkeepers, and caravan guides.
 
A Merchant’s Fortune
Sold to a traveling cloth merchant, the coin next journeyed along the Roman roads to Lugdunum (Lyon). Local markets bustled with shoppers seeking exotic spices, textiles, and crafts. The merchant used the coin to purchase dyed wool, which he planned to trade further upriver. By evening, it had passed to a blacksmith, who tucked it away as part of his daily takings.
 
Held for Safe Keeping
Rumors of unrest reached the blacksmith’s ears—skirmishes along the Rhine, power shifts in Italia, and fears of new taxes. Fearing for his livelihood, he decided to stash several precious coins, including your gleaming orichalcum piece, beneath loose floor stones in his workshop. There they remained hidden as war and time marched on.
 
A Time Capsule in the Soil
Over the decades (or centuries), the workshop fell into ruin. Stone walls crumbled, the roof collapsed, and soil gradually buried the blacksmith’s hidden hoard. The coin endured damp winters, scorching summers, and the slow buildup of layers above it. Miraculously the test of time held, and this coin retianed its 363 AD lusture..
 
Rediscovery by Chance
Many generations later, perhaps in the 19th or 20th century, a farmer or an amateur archaeologist stumbled upon the blacksmith’s collapsed workshop. While sifting through broken pottery and rusted tools, they spotted a glint of metal. Brushing away the dirt, they revealed your Magnus Maximus coin—worn by time but still bearing a legible portrait and reverse design.
 
Cleaning, Cataloging, and Collecting
After a gentle cleaning, the coin’s details reemerged. The distinct pearl diadem on Magnus Maximus and the mintmark PCON affirmed its origin at Arelate. Collectors recognized it in references like RIC 26a or LRBC 553. It was mounted in a display, sold at auction, or passed among enthusiasts, each appreciating its storied link to a short-lived emperor who briefly held sway over the Western Roman Empire.
 
Modern Spotlight
Today, your orichalcum-hued coin sits comfortably in a cabinet or a personal collection. It might be studied by historians or simply admired for its rich patina and imperial imagery. As a tangible connection to the turbulent era of AD 383–388, it tells the story of a man who rose to imperial heights—only to be toppled by mightier rivals.
 
In Closing
From its fiery inception in the Arelate mint to its quiet centuries underground, this “orichalcum” Magnus Maximus coin bears silent testimony to the ambitions and uncertainties of the late Roman world. Once used to pay legionaries or buy everyday goods, it survived the fall of empires to become a tiny time traveler—linking modern enthusiasts to a dramatic chapter of history.
 
Historical Context:
Magnus Maximus was a Roman usurper who ruled as emperor in the Western Roman Empire from 383 to 388 AD. A general of Spanish origin, he was declared Augustus by his troops in Britain and successfully seized power from Emperor Gratian. Although he was recognized as co-emperor by Theodosius I, his ambitions led to conflict with the Eastern Empire, culminating in his defeat and execution in 388 AD.
 
Historical Significance:
British Connection: Magnus Maximus was proclaimed emperor in Britannia and ruled the western provinces.
Conflict with Theodosius I: His expansionist ambitions led to civil war, culminating in his defeat at the Battle of the Save (388 AD).
Legacy: He is remembered in Welsh legend as Macsen Wledig, a heroic figure tied to British and Spanish ancestry.
 
Collector's Note:
Coins of Magnus Maximus are scarce, particularly well-preserved examples from the Lugdunum mint.
 
The coin features sharp details on the obverse portrait and clear inscriptions on the reverse.
Proper restoration has been performed to prevent further oxidation or patina loss.