Obverse: D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Valentinian II facing right.

Reverse: VIRTVS EXERCITI, Emperor standing right, holding standard and globe, left foot on captive; cross in left field, ANTΔ in exergue.

RIC IX Antioch 63b. LRBC II 2755. [Antioch, AD 387-392].

Diameter: 21 mm. Weight: 4.8 g.

A beautiful bronze coin of Valentinian II struck in Antioch circa AD 387-392. Valentinian II seems to have exercised no real authority, and was a figurehead for various powerful interests: his mother, his co-emperors, and powerful generals. His reign was a harbinger of the fifth century, when children or nonentities, reigning as emperors, were controlled by powerful generals and officials in the West and in the East until the mid-century. A scarce coin in exceptional condition for the issue.