Gratian AE2 Maiorina – REPARATIO REIPVB – Ancient Roman Bronze Coin, AD 378–383 M75

Gratian AE2 Maiorina – REPARATIO REIPVB – Ancient Roman Bronze Coin, AD 378–383 M74 (3.83gm)

An original ancient Roman bronze coin issued during the reign of Emperor Gratian (AD 367–383), belonging to the large AE2/Maiorina coinage produced during the later Roman Empire.

This coin dates approximately to AD 378–383 and features the important REPARATIO REIPVB reverse type, a design associated with the restoration and security of the Roman state. The type is documented for Gratian at several Roman imperial mints during this period.

Obverse

Legend: D N GRATIANVS P F AVG

Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Emperor Gratian facing right.

The Latin titulature identifies Gratian as the reigning Roman Augustus.

Reverse

Legend: REPARATIO REIPVB

Gratian is shown standing facing with his head turned left. He holds Victory standing on a globe in one hand while extending the other hand to raise a kneeling turreted female figure, generally understood as a personification representing the restored Roman state.

Coin Details

• Empire: Roman Empire
• Emperor: Gratian
• Reign: AD 367–383
• Issue Date: approximately AD 378–383
• Denomination: AE2 / Maiorina
• Metal: Bronze
• Obverse Legend: D N GRATIANVS P F AVG
• Reverse Legend: REPARATIO REIPVB
• Reverse Type: Emperor raising kneeling female figure while holding Victory on globe
• Mint: Uncertain / mintmark not fully legible on this specimen
• Period: Late Roman Empire

The REPARATIO REIPVB type is known from several mints. Aquileia examples, for example, bear SMAQ... mintmarks and are catalogued under RIC IX Aquileia 30a, while comparable issues were also produced at Rome, Siscia and Arelate.

Condition

Ancient circulated condition with a dark aged bronze patina. The imperial portrait remains recognizable and substantial portions of the legends can still be seen. The reverse design is worn but the emperor and kneeling figure remain identifiable.

The photographs show the actual coin offered.