Valentinian I

History and reign

His reign is defined by the defence of the Rhine and Danube frontiers: he fought the Alamanni, Franks and Saxons, built a chain of fortresses and restored discipline in the army. Religiously tolerant and strict in fiscal administration, he was famous for his temper; he died of a stroke while receiving Quadian envoys at Brigetio. He made his sons Gratian and Valentinian II co-emperors.

Coinage under Valentinian I

He struck gold solidi (4.5 g) with the legend RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, silver siliquae and, above all, enormous numbers of bronze AE3 coins with the reverses GLORIA ROMANORVM (the emperor dragging a captive) and SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE (Victory). Mints: Siscia, Sirmium, Thessalonica, Aquileia, Rome, Arelate, Lugdunum and Trier; the mark in the exergue dates an issue precisely. They are among the most affordable ancient coins on the market.