R24820 Valens

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Eastern Roman Empire

Ruler:

Valens

Reigned:

Eastern Augustus 364 - 378 AD

Denomination:

AV Solidus

Mint:

Antioch

Date of Issue:

364 AD

Obverse:

Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. "D.N. VALENS PER. F. AVG"

Reverse:

Valens standing facing, head right, holding labarum (cross within) and Victory.
"RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE".

Mint marks:


∗ANTΓ∗ (cross)(star)

Reference:

RIC IX 2d (xxxvii), RCVM 19559

Weight:

3.7 gms

Nominal Weight:

4.5 gms

Diameter:

19.6 mm

When Jovian died on 16th February 364, the Roman army elected Valentinian I to succeed him.

Valentinian chose his brother Valens to share his rule, as augustus in the East, while he ruled the West.

Valens was born in Cibalae (near modern Osijek, Croatia), in the province of Pannonia.

In 365 Procopius rebelled at Constantinople. In 366 he was defeated and Procopius was put to death by order of Valens (May 27th, 366).

In 375, the Ostrogoths under Fritigern had been allowed to settle within the Roman Empire.

In 378, they rebelled and on August 9th 378, Valens with his eastern army, proceeded to attack the Visigoths and Ostrogoths at Adrianople.

Due to the poor judgement of Valens and trickery by the barbarians, the Roman army was slaughtered and Valens killed, his body never found.