Obv: D N VETRANIO P F AVG. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: CONCORDIA MILITVM / A - Δ / •TSA•. Vetranio standing facing, head left, holding labarum decorated with christogram in each hand; star above
RIC 135. Condition: Very fine. Weight: 6.43 g. Diameter: 23 mm.
Vetranio was a brief actor in the complex theatre of the Constantinian dynasty around 350 AD. Thrust into power by his troops amidst a period of political turmoil, he was a placeholder more than a ruler, swiftly yielding his title to Constantius II. His reign, though short-lived, reflects the tumultuous politics of the time and the military’s significant role therein. Vetranio’s peaceful cession of power helped to avert potential military conflict, aiding in a smoother transition of authority during a delicate period in the Roman Empire’s history.
Nice coin! I found a Vetranio cleaning coins too, after which I stopped since I figured I wasn’t going to top it. Actually, I also once found a provincial Aemilian sestertius from Viminacium.
Great luck! I just like how happy he looks here, even if he only reigned for a year. There were worse endings for late Roman emperors though…