Gratian

Flavius Gratianus

Dynasty: Family of Valentinian

Gratian was the passionately Christian son of Valentinian I. He succeeded his father in AD 375 as Augustus, but devoted much of his time to hunting. He refused to take the position of Pontifex Maximus on his succession, the old post of Chief Priest that every Emperor adopted, so it was left vacant and the position disappeared. On his uncle's Valens' death, Gratian raised Theodosius, a son of a disgraced former general of Valentinian's, to the position of Augustus. In AD 383 Magnus Maximus revolted in Britain, and defeated Gratian, who died whilst fleeing towards the Alps

Obverse Legends on coins depicting Gratian

For explanations of many of the abbreviations used in Roman imperial obverse legends, click here.

• DN GRATIANVS AVG
• DN GRATIANVS AVGG AVG
• DN GRATIANVS PF AVG

Coins of Gratian currently available

	Gratian Bronze AE3 issued c. AD 367 Obv: DN GRATIANVS PF AVG, Diademed, draped bust facing right Rev: SECVRITAS REPVBLICAE, (ALEB in ex.), Victory advancing left holding wreath Very Fine   |   AUD $40.00
	Gratian Bronze AE4 issued c. AD 381-383 Obv: DN GRATIANVS PF AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust facing right Rev: VOT XV MVL XX, Vows in wreath Very Fine   |   AUD $35.00