Hi guys, I've got a coin here which I am very sure is either valens or valentinian. However the obverse is in such bad crusty shape that the name is illegible. The reverse clearly shows the victory advancing left holding wreath and what I believe is a Siscia mint mark (possibly ASISC) at the bottom. The picture has been lightened to help show detail: So is it valens or valentinian I? I hate putting down a coin and being unable to identify it correctly. Any help will be greatly appreciated Thanks,
I know, you said that. Mine is Antioch. Look up Valentinian II (around 375-392 AD). I think this is him as a youngster. I have pictures, somewhere, and will find them for you when I get time if you want.
A number of emperors in both the Valentinian and Theodosian dynasties used this reverse type, and since the portraits are generic, it's impossible to make a solid attribution without obverse legends.
http://esty.ancients.info/ricix/ Above is the place to start but you need some detail to select from the different victory types and reverse legends. In general, Valens has larger letters than Valentinian since he has fewer of them to squeeze in. That makes me suspect Valens here over Valentinian but that does not rule out Gratian. RIC IX is not my specialty but maybe someone here will see this and feel comfortable with the call.
