Lot 2858

AE Follis / AE3 (Nicomedia, unlisted officina, 19 mm., 2,75 g) - DN GRATIANVS PF AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA ROMANORVM Emperor walking right, holding labarum, dragging bound captive by the hair (SMNB in ex.) (RIC --) - VF, hybrid, a unique specimen. This piece shows an unlisted officina letter for Gratianus. Officinae A and B on this reverse type were only used on Folles of Valentinianus I and Valens, officina Γ has been used for Gratianus. The reverse of this piece does not bear the usual fieldmarks of a wreath in the left field and a chi-rho above, this coin must originate from the very beginning of Gratianus’ reign (AD 367-375). Obviously a die is used of either Valentinianus I or Valens (AD 364-367), sometimes this happened when coins of the new emperor needed to be issued quickly, even before new reverse dies were engraved. A rare specimen!