One of my "weaknesses" in coins is above-average condition Sec Reipvb Victory left late Roman coins. Can't have enough of them! Spotted this Gratian from Constantia (Arles) for what was imo a good price, and so I snagged it. I didn't have this mint for this type or for Gratian either.
Gratian (Western Roman emperor, 375-383 AD)
AE3
Obv: DN GRATIA-NVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped bust right
Rev: SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm branch
SCON in ex, Constantia (Arles) mint
Ref: RIC IX 19b, rated Scarce
Gratian became junior Augustus in 367 AD under Valentinian I, his father, then became full Augustus upon Valentinian's death in 375 AD. He campaigned extensively in those years against barbarian forces, and, had his uncle the Eastern emperor Valens waited for Gratian and his army, would have probably been the key to winning the Battle of Adrianople for the Romans. As with many leaders through history, Gratian would fall to vice and indifference. It would be a general named Magnus Maximus (my favorite usurper btw) that would revolt against the emperor, and in the end, have him killed in 383 AD.
