On hearing of the murder of Constans and the usurpation of the title by his former general Magnentius, the citizens of Rome named Nepotian emperor instead. He was a nephew of Constantius II who, because of his very young age, escaped the massacre of his family some 12 years before. By holding out on Magnentius the city hoped to cut off key supplies while Constantius and his armies hurried from Persia to meet the threat of Magnentius. Unfortunately for Nepotian and his fellow rebels, Magnentius quickly set out to plug this loophole and was able to enter Rome with his own army and then find and execute him. Because Nepotian ruled for only a month what few coins were struck in his name are highly sought after by collectors today.
AE2
RIC 200, LRBC 643 AE2 Obv: FLPOPNEPOTIANVSPFAVG - Bare, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: GLORIAROMANORVM Exe: R - Nepotian riding horse right, spearing enemy; star above. June 350 (Rome). $7,200 1/16/02.
RIC 202, LRBC 645 AE2 Obv: FLPOPNEPOTIANVSPFAVG - Bare, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: VRBSROMA Exe: R - Roma seated left, holding Victory on globe and spear. June 350 (Rome).
AE3
RIC 203, LRBC 644 AE3 Obv: DNNEPCONSTANTINVSAVG - Diademed (rosettes), draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: VRBSROMA Exe: R - Roma seated left, holding Victory and scepter, shield at feet. June 350 (Rome). $9,115 2/17/02.