Roman Empire – Gratian, Nummus, AD 367–375 – F
ROMAN EMPIRE – GRATIAN (AD 367–375). AE BRONZE NUMMUS. FINE (F).
An authentic ancient Roman bronze nummus from the reign of Emperor Gratian, who ruled from AD 367 to 375.
Gratian became emperor at only eight years old when his father, Valentinian I, elevated him to the rank of Augustus in AD 367. He later became an important ruler of the Western Roman Empire during a period of increasing military pressure and political change.
Coins of Gratian are particularly interesting to collectors because they belong to the Late Roman Empire, a period when Roman coin designs, denominations, military organization and religious policies were all undergoing significant changes.
Typical Design
The exact reverse type varies depending on the mint and issue. Gratian's bronze nummi commonly feature a laureate or diademed portrait of the emperor on the obverse with a Latin inscription naming Gratian.
Common reverse designs include Victory, Roman military imagery, and personifications supporting the emperor and the Roman state.
Historical Background
Gratian was the son of Valentinian I and ruled the Western Roman Empire while his uncle Valens governed the Eastern Empire. His reign coincided with major military conflicts, including the growing Gothic crisis in the Balkans.
Gratian also played an important role in the changing religious landscape of the Roman Empire. He strongly supported Nicene Christianity and took measures that reduced some of the traditional privileges of pagan institutions.
This small bronze coin circulated during a fascinating period of Roman history, approximately 1,650 years ago, when the empire was undergoing profound political, military and religious transformation.
Coin Details
- Emperor: Gratian
- Reign: AD 367–375
- Empire: Roman Empire
- Denomination: Nummus / AE Bronze
- Period: Late Roman Empire
- Grade: F (Fine)
- Date: AD 367–375
A genuine ancient Roman coin from the reign of Gratian, offering a tangible connection to the turbulent final centuries of the Roman Empire. An affordable and historically interesting addition to a collection of Roman and Late Roman coinage.
Please examine the photographs carefully for the exact reverse type, mintmark, patina, surfaces, centering and details visible on this individual coin.
