In 2017, a hoard of Late Roman coins was discovered in the village of Compton Dundon in Somerset, known as “The Compton Dundon Hoard”. The hoard of 564 base metal coins of the denomination “Nummus” (previously termed “Centenionalis”) was recorded as GLO-574C93 and declared as treasure under the UK’s Treasure Act. An important large part of the hoard are coins of the usurper Emperor Magnentius and his brother Decentius (AD 350-53) – the Christogram coins of the usurper Emperors are one of the most demonstrative of the Christian faith within Roman coinage. After being recorded and partially cleaned by the British Museum, a selection of the hoard was acquired by the Museum of Somerset.
Constans was the youngest son of Constantine the Great. He became Caesar in AD 333 and he later succeeded his father, taking the title of Augustus in AD 337. During his rule he had to face some years of instability following the increasing tension with his brother Constantine II, who claimed control over his territories. Constans led some successful military campaigns, blocking the Sarmatians invasion in the north west. In AD 350, he was murdered by the usurper Magnentius.
Constantius II was the second son of Constantine the Great. He was elevated to the imperial rank of Caesar in AD 324 and became Augustus, together with his brothers, Constantine II and Constans in AD 337 and received the eastern territories of the Empire. In AD 353, Constantius II marched against the usurper Magnentius and ultimately defeated him. Constantius II died of fever on the way back to face Julian, who proclaimed himself Augustus, in battle in AD 361.
