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Although an ephemeral dynast of a short-lived realm, Gaius Pius Esuvius Tetricus, better known as Tetricus II, left behind an ample legacy of ancient coinage. During early 270s AD, he served as Caesar to his father, Tetricus I, last Augustus of the breakaway realm known as the Romano-Gallic Empire. Reflecting his waning realm, Tetricus II’s coins tend to comprise poor metal and/or crudely engraved dies. Many surviving issues are suspected or confirmed barbarous imitations.
This particular example of Tetricus II’s Romano-Gallic coinage is an antoninianus (a modern term for its denomination, no one knows what it was called in antiquity, and NGC refers to it as a double-denarius). Its rich, dark surfaces are difficult to capture in a recorded image, and best appreciated in hand. It was probably struck in Treveri (Trier) sometime around 273-274 AD. At the time, Tetricus II held the title of Caesar based on the obverse inscription of C PIV ESV TETRICVS CAES. Other numismatic evidence suggests that, at least briefly in 274 AD, Tetricus II held the title of co-Augustus.
The coin’s reverse honors Spes, the Roman goddess of hope, encircled by the inscription SPES PVLICA. Whether intentional or the result of crude engraving, Spes is represented as a ungainly figure emphasizing adolescence, matching the boyish bust of Tetricus II on the obverse. The goddess is advancing left, delicately holding a flower in one hand, in advertisement of growth and renewal. With her other hand, she holds her hem; after all, it would be inappropriate to drag her clothing on the ground behind her. The Romans often employed the numismatic motif of Spes early in an Augustus’ or Caesar’s reign, heralding new hope for the future. On this coin, the inscription emphasizes hope for the people.
The message was rather poignant, given the Romano-Gallic Empire was clearly on the wane. To this end, the Emperor in Rome, namely Aurelian, resolved to reclaim the rouge state. At the Battle of Châlons (fought in modern-day Châlons-en-Champagne, France), Aurelian emerged victorious, and the Tetrici surrendered to his mercy. Although the Romano-Gallic Empire collapsed, it was not the end for Tetricus II, among numerous defeated enemies benefiting from Aurelian’s famed clemency. Tetricus II served as a war trophy during Aurelian’s triumph back in Rome. After that, Tetricus II earned not only a pardon, but also a post as a Roman Senator. He reportedly lived out the rest of his life with distinction, faithfully serving the Empire his forebears had eschewed for their own realm.
Coin Details: ROMANO-GALLIC EMPIRE, Tetricus II, as Caesar, BI Double Denarius, Treveri mint?, Struck 273-274 AD?, NGC Grade: Ch XF, Obverse: Radiate and draped bust right, C PIV ESV TETRICVS CAES, Reverse: Spes advancing left, holding flower and hem, SPES P-VBLICA, References: RIC 272, Cohen 97; Sear 11294.