Obverse. Photo © Sergei Novikov
  • 1 Centenionalis 364-367 AD, RIC# IX 7, Roman Empire, Valentinian the Great
  • 1 Centenionalis 364-367 AD, RIC# IX 7, Roman Empire, Valentinian the Great
Description

Valentinian I (Flavius Valentinianus Augustus), also known as Valentinian the Great, was Roman emperor from 364 to 375. Upon becoming emperor he made his brother Valens his co-emperor, giving him rule of the eastern provinces while Valentinian retained the west.

During his reign, Valentinian fought successfully against the Alamanni, Quadi, and Sarmatians. Most notable was his victory over the Alamanni in 367 at the Battle of Solicinium. His brilliant general Count Theodosius defeated a revolt in Africa and the Great Conspiracy, a coordinated assault on Roman Britain by Picts, Scots, and Saxons. Valentinian was also the last emperor to conduct campaigns across both the Rhine and Danube rivers. Valentinian rebuilt and improved the fortifications along the frontiers, even building fortresses in enemy territory.

Due to the successful nature of his reign and the rapid decline of the empire after his death, he is often considered to be the "last great western emperor". He founded the Valentinian Dynasty, with his sons Gratian and Valentinian II succeeding him in the western half of the empire.

Obverse

Pearl-diademed Valentinian the Great, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.

D N VALENTINI_ANVS P F AVG (Dominus Noster Valentinianus Pius Felix Augustus)

D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG

Reverse

Victory advancing left, wreath in right hand, palm in left.

SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE (Security of the Republic)
Mintmark DSISC in exergue for Siscia Mint, 4 officina.

SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE
DSISC

Edge -
Characteristics
Production Hammering
Material Bronze
Weight 2.6 g
Diameter 18 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Mint
Siscia Mint (SIS)

Related coins

Bronze, 2.7 g, ⌀ 20 mm

Bronze, 2.9 g, ⌀ 19 mm

Bronze, 2.84 g, ⌀ 17 mm