I've had an itching to revisit the late Roman Empire, so for my birthday coming up I treated myself to something a little pricier than the usual LRBs, a siliqua. Its a bit worn but all of the devices are still there, its not clipped, and its got an attractive dark patina to it (I can't remember the last time I saw a siliqua this darkly toned). And its has a great portrait. I've been on a Greek and Alexandrian binge lately so it feels nice to go back to my first passion: coins of the late Roman Empire, specifically Valentinian I and later. And it has been ages since I've gotten a coin of Gratian, so there's that as well. I don't normally post coins before I get them but I couldn't help with this one. Please post your siliquae, Gratians, darkly-toned silver, and/or any birthday coins! Gratian, Western Roman Empire AR siliqua Obv: D N GRATIA-NVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right Rev: VRBS ROMA, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and inverted spear Mint: Trier Mintmark: TRPS· Date: 367-383 AD Ref: RIC IX 46b (description from WW; photos from seller) Here's a map of the empire, surrounding states, and positions of the various barbarian tribes during Gratian's rule.
I've never seen one so dark! It looks like chocolate... And it's so nicely struck and crisp! And happy early birthday!
Gee Wiz you can see by your map the tribes moving in on the Roman Empire (not long to go) but getting back to your coin, absolutely fantastic a hard to come by toned Siliqua with great detail,congrats. My Gratian I've shown before but if it wasn't for this coin I wouldn't be collecting ancients now so I will have it in my possession forever. Gratian. AD 367-383. Æ (3,07g). Rome mint. Struck AD 375-378. Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm branch. R.QUARTA. RIC IX 24c. edit
Nice coin @ValiantKnight - I'm bidding on a siliqua in the Frank S. Robinson auction as well as an argenteus amongst others so hopefully some of these will show up in hand.
