Roman Imperial. Gratian (365-383 AD) AE Maiorina (22mm, 5.43g, 12h). Siscia, 378-383 AD.
Obverse:DN GRATIANVS PF AVG. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: REPARATIO REIPVB. Gratian standing facing, holding Victory on globe and raising kneeling crowned woman.
Reference: RIC 26a
NOTES: The identity of the woman in the turreted crown is something of a mystery. Most often she is described without identification, but I’ve seen her identified as Tyche, Fortuna, or (more commonly) Res Publica or the personification of the Roman Republic. The servile posture of the Republic, however, kneeling before the Emperor, seems inappropriate for Roman political sentiment (as would a deity). Instead, the imagery seems much more in keeping with the traditional numismatic representation of the personifications of subjugated, captive kingdoms. An alternative interpretation, sometimes suggested, is that the figure is a captive personification of a barbarian client or Provincial kingdom.