Ancient Coin Stories

Let coins tell their stories…

Valentinian I
Siscia 364-367 CE
AE 2.87g, 18mm
Obv: D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm; (branch)ASISC in exergue.
RIC 7a.iii
321 CE

Birth of Valentinian I in Pannonia.

359 CE
April 18

Gratian is born in Sirmium to Valentinian I and Marina Severa.

364 CE
February 26

Death of the Emperor Jovian, possibly from suffocating by poisonous paint fumes. Valentinian, the father of Gratian, is proclaimed Augustus.

364 CE
March

Valentinian I and Valens order the arrest of Procopius, but he escapes with his family.

364 CE
March 28

Valentinian I selects his brother Valens as co-augustus.

365 CE
November 1

Valentinian I learns of the revolt of Procopius against Valens and an invasion of Gaul by the Alemanni.

366 CE

Gratian appointed consul by his father, Valentinian.

367 CE
August 24

Valentinian raises his son Gratian to co-augustus.

368 CE

Valentinian and his son Gratian cross the Moenus River and scorch the territories of the Alamanni.

371 CE

Birth of Valentinian II to Justina and Valentinian I.

373 CE

Hostilities erupt between the Quadi and Valentinian I.

374 CE

Valentinian I is forced to make peace with the Alemannic chieftain Marcian.

375 CE
November 17

Valentinian dies of a stroke in Hungary, leaving Gratian as the sole western Emperor. Valens becomes the senior emperor.