Tetricus I - Emperor of the Gallic Empire reign 271–274 AD

Tetricus I Emperor of the Gallic Empire reign 271–274 AD



IMP C TETRICVS PF AVG, Draped and radiate bust right
PAX AVG, Pax holding olive branch and scepter
RIC 100
Nice solid example of the type with a good portrait on a smallish flan.

Gaius Pius Esuvius Tetricus, (flourished 3rd century), rival Roman emperor in Gaul from 271 to 274.
Tetricus was a Gallic noble related to the usurping ruler of Gaul, Victorinus, and to Victorinus’ mother, Victoria. Upon the murder of Victorinus, Tetricus, who was governor of Aquitania, was proclaimed emperor, apparently backed by the influence and money of Victoria. During his short and nominal reign, the monetary inflation of the 3rd century reached its peak.
Gaul experienced extensive invasions by Germanic tribes, and Tetricus was threatened by successive mutinies. When the emperor Aurelian (reigned 270–275) appeared in Gaul with an army, Tetricus concluded a private treaty with him and then deserted to him during the Battle of Châlons-sur-Marne (now Châlons-en-Champagne, in France).
Aurelian forced Tetricus to march in his triumph and then pardoned him and appointed him governor of southern Italy.

Tetricus I, Gallic emperor 271-274 ( no 2 )



IMP C TETRICVS PF AVG, Draped and radiate bust right
PAX AVG, Pax holding olive branch and scepter
RIC 100
Very nice portrait with an attractive patina on a severely reduced flan.

A similar coin to above. May be a very good quality contemporary copy.
What say ye?

This post will end of my ancients I can post, and thanks to all who posted on my threads and for your interest.
The 15 ancient coins I posted in the last week or so are all I have. I'd love to add but it is a study all it's own and would require time I don't think I can give it.
I love this little humble lot though. It amazes me that I can hold things in my hand that were made so long ago.

Also, thank you again Finn and Paul B.
Who also supplied information and raw images which I have re-worked.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Nice! My own collection is sadly deficient in coins of the Gallic Empire.

 

..that is the ambrosia of ancients...

 

Fascinated with the Gallic Empire, and especially Tetricus, who was clever enough to survive the end of his empire. Not many could claim that in those days. This is my only Tetricus.

 

Amazing this guy was allowed to live. Here is mine:



Tetricus I, 270-273 Antoninianus Cologne circa 272, billon 17.6mm., 2.49g. IMP C TETRICVS P F AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. COMES AVG Victory standing l. holding wreath and palm. RIC 56. C 17. Hunter 4

 

I think one of the hardest challenges in coin collecting would be to get a full set of Tetricus reverse types, all well struck and centered, with fresh dies on nice round flans. Impossible!

Here’s my last Tetricus bought in 2021:

Tetricus I AE Antoninianus.
IMP C TETRICVS P F AVG, radiate bust right
COMES AVG, Victory standing left holding wreath & palm.
RIC 56; Sear 11232

 

Here are a few of my Tetricus I coins picked out at random

 

The monetary system was in disarray at the time, a clear sign of economic turmoil. Not only were the official coins massively debased and apparently produced carelessly at great speed, but imitations were produced in large quantities:

The first coin has a diameter of only 6mm. There is no way that anybody could have mistaken it for an official issue. I can only imagine that these tiny coins marked the peak of hyperinflation.

 

A few?

 

7 out of some 80 is still a few. They kept piling up over the years.