After Constantine the Great died in 337 CE, the Roman Empire fell into uncertainty. Constantine’s dynasty fought internally for power, leading to the untimely deaths of Constantine’s sons and many of his nephews. 

Many emperors cycled between 337 CE and Valentinian I’s ascension to power in 364 CE. The constant turnover created military unrest and societal instability. Valentinian’s success in life also floundered as he experienced discrimination (some experts believe exile) for his refusal to reject Christianity. However, Valentinian I’s military reinstatement commenced when he served during Emperor Julian’s Persian campaign in 363 CE. Julian’s successor, Jovian, appreciated Valentinian’s war aptitude and appointed him to the Scholae Palatine, where he served until Jovian died in 364 CE. Nine days and three ineligible candidates later, the Roman government settled on Valentinian as the new Augustus. This news nearly caused the Roman military to revolt, but Valentinian assured the people that his loyalties belonged to the Roman Empire.

Soon after, Valentinian I named his brother Valen co-Augustus. Valentinian remained so involved that he moved Rome's headquarters to Paris to fight nearby enemies. Valentinian also began coinage reform, specifically to the solidus. Before the Valentinian Era, solidi could contain up to 5% other metals, but Valentinian I required the solidus to be 99% pure. He also decreed that mints needed to strike precious metal coinage in the emperor's chosen capital city. Because of the high number of forgeries and debasement of precious metals, Valentinian deemed this ruling essential. He discovered that During tax collection, some corrupt officials often switched real coins with imitations before the coins reached the treasury.

Valentinian I died of a medical complication in 375 CE, and his four-year-old son, Valentinian II, succeeded him as emperor until his tragic death in 392. Valentinian II’s co-rulers and counsel followed his father’s vision of strengthening Roman currency. The government issued a new gold coin with a 1/3 solidus denomination called the tremissis after 380 CE. Fiduciary money production for the people also commenced. Before the Valentinian Era, mints issued small denomination coins out of billon, but after 378 CE, this practice ceased, and the fiduciary coinage consisted of lead, tin, and copper.

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While the Valentinians led the era, at least seven co-emperors existed. Collectors can identify the Valentinian Era by an emperor’s portrait but should note that Valentinian coin characteristics vary. For example, the weight of similar denomination silver coinage can range from 1.50g to 13.50g. 

Valentinian Era coinage consists of silver, gold, and bronze specimens. The obverse displays the emperor’s bust, while the reverse features religious symbols, mythological figures, or culturally significant motifs. Many Valentinian coins depict a Chi-Rho on the reverse. These coins have smooth edges, and some display a decorative rim.    

There are many coins available at affordable prices. If a collector is looking for higher-quality specimens, several options exist. Many counterfeits circulate the market, so collectors should consider purchasing coins from reputable dealers. Some other well-known designs include the Valentinian I AV Solidus, the Valens AV Solidus, and the Valentinian II AV Solidus.

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Valentinian-Era coinage displays a legend, mint mark, or sometimes an engraver's name. Coins that bear an "S" show the value of seventy-two to the gold pound. Gold coins that display "COMOB"indicate that the coin was struck at the emperor's place of residence. The mark "OB" signifies pure gold, while "PS" means pure silver.

The expert analysis of these items reassures the collector that a purchase is genuine. A trustworthy, detailed provenance is often the best method of authentication.

Identify your Ancient Valentinian Era Coinage Marks.

In the WorthPoint Library    

Historical Roman Coins from the Earliest Times to the Reign of Augustus by George Francis Hill. 

Roman Coins: Elementary Manual by Francesco Gnecchi and Alred Watson.

Books and Periodicals  

AES Coinage of Valentinian I: The Evidence from Hoards by J. W. E Pearce. 

Coinage and History of the Roman Empire by David Vagi. 

The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Coinage by William E. Metcalf. 

Web Resources  

Roman Coinage www.worldhistory.org. 

Valentinian I www.britannica.com.