COINS OF THE HOUSE OF VALENTINIAN

Coins of Valentinian I

 

Valentinian I. 364-375 CE. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.37 g, 6h). Antioch mint, 6th officina. Struck 365 CE. D N VALENTINI ANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Valentinian standing facing, head right, holding labarum with right hand and Victory on globe in left; ANTI*. Image: CNG.

Son of Gratianus Funarius, a military officer of humble origin, Valentinian served in the army of Emperor Constantius II (ruled 337-361). He retired to his family estate after he was blamed for a defeat. A devout Christian, he was exiled to Egypt by the pagan emperor Julian, but the emperor Jovian recalled him to service. After Jovian's sudden death, Valentinian was a compromise candidate for the vacant throne. Arriving at the Eastern capital of Constantinople in March 364, he raised his younger brother Valens to the rank of co-emperor.

 

VALENTINIAN I (364-375). Heavy Miliarense. Thessalonika. Obv: D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left. Rev: VIRTVS EXERCITVS / TES. Emperor standing facing, head left, holding labarum and shield. Image: Numismatik Naumann.

Many of Valentinian's coins were struck at the great Eastern city of Antioch. Constantinople and Thessalonica were also major mints. Coins of Valentinian's 11-year reign in all metals are relatively common and quite collectible, although the gold solidi are often worn, clipped, pierced, or scratched with graffiti. One reference lists 81 types in gold, 73 in silver, and 133 in bronze (Vagi, 290-318).

To read the complete article, see:
The House of Valentinian: CoinWeek Ancient Coin Series (https://coinweek.com/the-house-of-valentinian-coinweek-ancient-coin-series/)

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