Centenionalis

There is still disagreement as to whether the "Centenionalis" (plural: centenionales) is the same coin as the majorina or another denomination. European thought, supported by the scholarship by J.P.C. Kent (the author of Volumes VIII and X of Roman Imperial Coins as well as other works), has been that the post-318 Ae3's (see "Ae3") were known as centenionales up until their disappearance in the reform of 348. It is not known how the name "centenionalis" originated.

Whether they were Ae3's or majorinae, they were demonetized by a decree of 354 which referred to them as "centenionales communes". The name endured however, since the "Codex Theodosianus" (9.23.1&2) contains a law issued on April 12, 395 which allowed the further circulation of a "centenionalis numus" but demonetized the larger Ae2's of Theodosius I. J.P.C. Kent believes that the "centenionalis numus" was the western Ae4.

In any event the term "centenionalis" is one best avoided due to the uncertainty inherent in its meaning. The terms Ae3, Ae4, and majorina are much more commonly understood.