Gratian (AD 367–383) Roman Empire AE4 Nummus NGC VF

Gratian — A Western Emperor in a Changing Roman World

This late Roman bronze coin represents Gratian, a western emperor whose reign unfolded during a period of military pressure and major political and religious change.

Coin Details

• Ruler: Gratian
• Reign and issue period: Augustus AD 367–383; senior western emperor from AD 375
• Empire/region: Western Roman Empire
• Denomination: Nummus; AE4 is a modern size classification
• Composition: AE (bronze or copper alloy)
• NGC grade: VF — Very Fine
• Sheldon-scale equivalent: 20–25
• Quantity supplied: One encapsulated coin

The Sheldon-scale number is an equivalent associated with the stated ancient-coin grade; it is not a separate numerical grade assigned to the coin.

Gratian — From Junior Augustus to Western Emperor

Gratian was the son of Valentinian I and was elevated to the rank of Augustus in AD 367 while still young. After his father’s death in AD 375, he became the senior emperor in the West and shared imperial authority with his younger half-brother Valentinian II.

His reign included military pressure along the Rhine and the consequences of the Roman defeat at Adrianople in AD 378. Gratian appointed Theodosius I to command in the East, but his own position weakened when Magnus Maximus was proclaimed emperor in Britain; Gratian was killed in AD 383 after support for him collapsed.

What the Coin Tells Us

AE4 is a modern numismatic size category, not an ancient denomination recorded on the coin. These small bronze issues were produced in large quantities for everyday circulation in the later Roman economy.

Late Roman bronze coins paired imperial portraits and titles with reverse types communicating victory, security, religious policy and continuity. The exact mint, reverse design and inscriptions vary within this stock-photo offering.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one late Roman bronze coin of Gratian in an NGC Ancients holder, graded VF (Very Fine). A specific mint, issue year, reverse design, inscription, weight or diameter is not promised unless expressly stated above.

Stock-photo notice: The photographs are representative of the product offering. The coin supplied may differ from the pictured example in portrait style, reverse design, inscriptions, centering, toning, surface appearance and other individual characteristics while remaining within the stated coin type and any expressly stated grade.