GRATIAN
AD 367-383
AE3. 2.58g, 18mm
MINTED: Trier mint, AD 378-383
REF: RIC IX Trier 69a (scarce)
OBVERSE: DN GRATIA-NVS P F AVG, pearl diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
REVERSE: CONCOR-DIA AVGGG, Roma, helmeted, seated facing, head left, holding globe and spear; SMTR in exergue.
 
Notes:
Dark green patina.  Slight edge irregularity and striking flatness.  
The AVGGG on the reverse legend indicates the concurrent rule of three emperors, who at the time of the issuance of this coin were, in addition to Gratian, his half-brother Valentinian II (AD 375-392) and Theodosius I (AD 379-395).  
 
Historical Notes:
Gratian was the eldest son of Emperor Valentinian I. When his father died in 375, the 16 year old ruled alongside his younger half-brother Valentinian II and his uncle, Valens.   He was married to Flavia Maxima Constantia, daughter of Constantius II.  After Valens was killed at the disastrous Battle of Adrianople in 378, Gratian grudgingly accept the elevation of Theodosius I, one of his father's generals, to the throne of Valen's eastern half of the Empire. Gratian ruled over the West with some success, but in 383, he was overthrown by a usurper, Magnus Maximus, and soon thereafter murdered.