Gratian. AD 367-383. Æ (17.5mm, 2.37 g, 1h).

Keystone Auction 6 – Session Three – The Ken Bressett Collection, Part II – Roman Coinage
Lot: 3379. Estimated: $ 100

Roman Imperial, Bronze

Sold For $ 30. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Gratian. AD 367-383. Æ (17.5mm, 2.37 g, 1h). Arelate (as Constantia) mint, 3rd officina. Struck AD 367-375. [D N] GRATIANVS AVGG AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / [GLORI]A NO–VI SAECVLVM, emperor standing facing, head left, holding labarum and shield; OF–III//CON. RIC IX 15. VF/Fine, brown surfaces, edge a bit ragged, rough reverse. Rare and unusual.

From the Ken Bressett Collection. Ex Lincoln Higgie 1966 @ $10.

Interestingly, on the reverse the workshop is specifically referred to as OF(ficina) III. As an accession issue, this coin touts the “glory of the new age” that the new emperor and heir apparent is to bring. The obverse legend echoes Gratian’s role as junior emperor, differentiating between the senior emperors Valentinian I and Valens (AVGG) and Gratian (AVG) in an unorthodox manner only employed at Arelate and Lugdunum.

The final winners of all Keystone 6 lots will be determined at the online sale that will be held on 11 March 2022. Session Three, presenting part 1 of the Ken Bressett Collection, featuring Roman coinage, will be held Friday evening, 11 March 2022 beginning at 7:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.