Valentinian I took power in February 364 after the death of Jovian, selected by the army at Nicaea — then immediately split the empire with his brother Valens, retaining the West himself. The Arelate mint, operating out of what is now Arles in southern Gaul, was one of his more productive western facilities during these early years of the reign, issuing the SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE type across multiple officinae. RIC IX 9 places this piece within the first phase of Valentinian's coinage reform, before the weight standard was adjusted downward again around 367.
Valentinian I took power in February 364 after the death of Jovian, selected by the army at Nicaea — then immediately split the empire with his brother Valens, retaining the West himself. The Arelate mint, operating out of what is now Arles in southern Gaul, was one of his more productive western facilities during these early years of the reign, issuing the SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE type across multiple officinae. RIC IX 9 places this piece within the first phase of Valentinian's coinage reform, before the weight standard was adjusted downward again around 367.