Late Roman AE Nummis (likely Valentinian I or Valens)

Roman Empire · 364-378 AD

A small, heavily oxidized Roman bronze coin with a green patina, featuring the head of an emperor on the obverse.

Country: Roman Empire
Year: 364-378 AD
Denomination: AE3 (Fractional Nummis)
Metal: Bronze (formerly with a trace silver wash)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified June 4, 2026More roman empire coins →

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Overview

A small, heavily oxidized Roman bronze coin with a green patina, featuring the head of an emperor on the obverse.

Historical significance

Coins from this period represent the later stability of the Roman Empire under the Valentinian dynasty. They were mass-produced to pay soldiers and facilitate trade during a time of increased border pressure and administrative division between East and West.

Obverse (front)

Diademed, draped, and armored bust of the Emperor facing right. Inscription usually reads DN VALENTINI-ANVS PF AVG (or VALENS).

Reverse (back)

Difficult to distinguish, but typically 'GLORIA ROMANORVM' (Emperor dragging captive) or 'SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE' (Victory advancing left).

Estimated value

$5-$15 (due to heavy oxidation and typical scarcity/condition)

What drives this coin's value

Legibility of the legend, state of the patina, and the clarity of the mint mark in the exergue.

Grade assessment

Good (G) to Very Good (VG) - heavily corroded with thick green oxidation obscuring details.

Mintage & rarity

Common; millions were minted across the empire.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for casting seams or bubbles; however, the thick, authentic 'desert' or 'green' patina on this example is characteristic of genuine buried bronze.

Notable varieties & errors

Varies by mint mark and officina (workshop) letters in the fields.

Similar coins

Often confused with other 4th-century AE coins of the Constantinian or Theodosian dynasties. Differentiation is made by measuring the bust style and reading the partial legend.

Care & preservation

Do not attempt to clean this coin with chemicals or abrasive tools as the green patina is fragile. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or a dry, acid-free envelope.