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Western Roman Empire

Ruler: Valentinian II
Reigned: Western Emperor 375 - 392 AD
Denomination: Bronze Centenionalis
Mint: Siscia
Date of Issue: 379 - 383 AD
Obverse: Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. "DN. VALENTINIANVS PF. AVG."
Reverse: Roma seated facing, head left, on throne, holding globe and partly seen spear; right leg bare "CONCORDIA AVGGG."
Mint marks:
 
BSISC
Reference: RIC IX 27b, RCVM 20294
Weight: 2.6 gms
Nominal Weight: 2.5 gms extremely variable
Diameter: 16.8 mm

VALENTINIAN II (Flavius Valentinianus)

  • Valentinian II was the younger son of Valentinian I by his second wife, Justina.
  • Following his father's death in 375, he was proclaimed co-emperor in the west with his half-brother, Gratian. As he was only four years of age, he was initially was under the protection of Gratian.
  • In 383 Magnus Maximus, Gratian's commander in Britain, rebelled. Deserted by his troops, Gratian was killed at Lugdunum (Lyon). Thus at the age of twelve, Valentinian became the sole legitimate emperor in the west. He moved his court to Milan, where his mother managed his affairs.
  • When Magnus Maximus invaded Italy in 387 Valentinian fled. Theododius, the eastern emperor came to his aid and defeated the usurper, re-establishing Valentinian in the West.
  • Valentinian was dominated by his general Arbogast, and was either killed by him or committed suicide (May, 392).

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