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Roman Empire

Ruler: Procopius
Reigned: 365 - 366 AD
Denomination: AE3
Mint: Constantinople
Obverse: Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. "D.N. PROCOPIVS P.F. AVG."
Reverse: Procopius standing facing head right, holding spear and leaning on shield."SECVRITAS REIPVB"
Mint marks:
 
CONS(?)
Reference: Not in RCV, RIC or Cohen
Weight: 2.3 gms
Diameter: 17.2 mm
Comment: This coin is one of maybe 6 known specimens (2 with emperor holding spear).

This coin represents the very rare earliest issue of Procopius' bronze coinage, not only continuing Valentinian's reduced weight standard and copying his right-facing portrait, but also taking over Valentinian's reverse legend SECVRITAS REIPVB, combined with Procopius' normal type of emperor standing. The first known specimen was that published by W. Weiser in Money trend 1977, pp. 8-12, which was later sold in Schulten Sale, October 1984, and a second in BM mentioned by Weiser. Very soon, Procopius introduced his own reverse legend, REPARATIO FEL TEMP, to replace that of Valentinian; soon after that, he reintroduced Julian II's heavier standard for bronze coins and changed the direction of his obverse portrait from right to left. Most of Procopius' surviving bronze coins belong to this large last issue, on Julian II's standard and with portrait facing left.

Information from Curtis Clay of Harlan J Berk Ltd.

PROCOPIUS

  • Procopius came from Cilicia, and was a relative of the Julian II. He served with distinction under Constantius II and Julian, taking part in the ill-fated Persian expedition of that emperor.
  • When Jovian and then Valens came to the throne, Procopius was suspected of imperial ambitions and remained in concealment for about 2 years.
  • In 365 Procopius rebelled at Constantinople, while Valens was staying at Caesarea in Cappadocia.
  • In 366 the army of Procopius were defeated in 2 great battles. Procopius was taken prisoner, and put to death by order of Valens (May 27th, 366).

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