A descendant of the Valentinian dynasty.

Son of Valentinian I, II. Husband of Constantius' daughter. Co-emperor between 367-375. He was murdered.

FLAVIVS GRATIANVS AVGVSTVS

During the reign of Emperor Gratian (367-373), the coinage of the Roman Empire underwent significant changes. In 367, Gratian introduced the solidus, a new gold coin that weighed 4.54 grams and contained 95-98% fine gold. The solidus became the main gold money of the empire and remained in use until the 11th century. The introduction of the solidus gold money was intended to promote the monetary stability of the empire. Bronze coins, such as the follis and the nummus, gradually lost their value and disappeared from circulation. The reason for this was the economic difficulties of the empire and inflation. During Gratian's reign, minting was not only done by the central mints, but mints were also established in the provinces. This decentralization was a reflection of the empire's decentralization of power. Gratian's coins often depicted the emperor in military attire, with a goddess of victory or other gods. The inscriptions on the coins glorified the emperor's military victories and virtues. The iconography of the coins continued to serve as a tool of imperial propaganda.