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Valens
AV Solidus, 4.42g. 22mm. Nicomedia, Consular issue 368 A.D. D N VALENS P F AVG. Pearl- diademed bust of Valens to left; he wears consular loros and holds mappa in right hand and scepter in left hand. Rev. VOTA PVBLICA; S-MN-N in exergue. Valentinian and Valens enthroned and facing; they are both nimbate, wearing consular loros costumes, and holding mappas; two captives in exergue. RIC IX, 254, 16b.6. Depeyrot 22/2. Pierre Bastien, "Le Solidi Des Vota Publica De Valentinien I A Theodose I," in Numismatica E Antichita Classiche, Quaderni Ticinesi, 1985, p. 332, 27h (this coin). Ex: Münzen und Medaillen, Basel, Auction XI, 1953, Jan. 23, 1953, lot 197. Ex: Leo Biaggi collection( 1906-1979), # 2268. Ex: Numismatica Genevensis, Geneva, Auction VIII, Nov. 24, 2014, lot 170. Ex: Edward J. Waddell Inv. No. 56381, 05/25/2025.
Emperor Valens, who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from 364 to 378 AD, is best remembered for his fateful role in one of Rome’s most catastrophic military defeats—the Battle of Adrianople. Born in 328 AD, Valens was the brother of Emperor Valentinian I. When Valentinian became emperor in 364, he appointed Valens as co-emperor to govern the eastern provinces, which included Asia Minor, Egypt, and the Levant.
Valens faced numerous challenges throughout his reign, including religious tensions and foreign invasions. A supporter of Arian Christianity, he was involved in theological disputes with the Nicene Church, contributing to the ongoing religious fragmentation of the empire. However, his greatest challenge came in the form of the Gothic migrations.
In 376, large groups of Gothic tribes, fleeing the Huns, sought asylum within Roman territory along the Danube River. Valens allowed them to settle, but local Roman officials mistreated the refugees, which led to rebellion. This uprising culminated in the Battle of Adrianople in 378, one of the most significant defeats in Roman history. Valens, underestimating the size and strength of the Gothic forces, chose to engage them without waiting for reinforcements from the Western emperor, Gratian. The Roman army was overwhelmed, and Valens was killed in battle—his body reportedly never recovered.
Valens' defeat at Adrianople marked a turning point in Roman history. It exposed the vulnerability of the empire’s borders and highlighted the growing threat posed by migrating barbarian groups. The battle also signaled a shift in the balance of power, as the Roman military began to rely increasingly on barbarian allies and mercenaries. Though not considered a great ruler, Valens’ reign was pivotal in the declining years of the Roman Empire, underscoring both its internal weaknesses and the mounting pressure from external forces.
Soldi of Valens are fairly common and can be found in nice condition. This one stands out for a sharp strike from fresh dies, and essentially unimprovable lustrous surfaces. The old pedigree and the fact that this coin was published also increases the desirability.