Bronze maiorina
A. D N VALEN-S P F AVG
R. GLORI-A ROMA-NORUM
8 rows, 2 turrets, no doors, S between turrets
ø 23.0, gr. 4.45 , die axis 180°,R2
extremely rare
1225cgc 908 pc Ric IX Trier 29c, LRBC 89, page 47.
H.Cohen Paris 1892 page 106
Roman coins, D.R.Sear 19715 Although sometimes described as a small medal, this very rare type seems to have formed part of the regular coinage. It may represent a short-lived attempt by Valentinian I in 368 to revive the maiorina denomination abandoned by Constantius II in the 350s.
Roma Numismatics Ltd, E-Sale 69, Lot 1258, 2020, From a private English collection.
The authors of RIC note that “the mint-mark SMTR can be dated to the period between the elevation of Gratian and the completion of the senior emperor’s quinquennium in Feb. A.D. 369. Most of the coinage is commemorative of these important events…” This rare commemorative issue, issued for Valens, Valentinian and Gratian appears to have been struck only at Trier, except for a considerably smaller issue produced only for Valens at Constantinople where he was then in residence.