Valentinian II, 375-392. Medallion (Bronze, 29 mm, 12.56 g, 1 h), Rome, 378-383. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Valentinian II to right.
Rev. VRBS ROMA Roma seated left on shield, holding globe in her right hand and spear in her left. Cohen 79. RIC 42b. Gnecchi -. Toynbee pl. XXXVII, 1 = Consul Weber 2769 (
same dies). Extremely rare. A splendid and remarkably attractive medallion, beautifully struck and of fine style. About extremely fine.
From an old Viennese collection, formed in the 1950s and 1960s and in 3rd generation family possession since.
Bronze medallions of the Valentinian family are among the last large Roman bronzes ever made, and they are surprisingly diverse. The size of earlier sestertii - though usually lighter - they celebrate the glory of the Romans, the Three Monetae, the virtue and the victoriousness of the Augusti and, as in this case, the venerable city of Rome.
