Tetricus Antoninianus
RIC 141
Obv: IMP C TETRICVS PF AVG - Radiate, cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VICTORIAAVG - Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm.
Tetricus
271 - 274 A.D.
Tetricus was governor of Acquitaine in Gaul when Victorinus, the emperor of this secessionist region, was murdered. Victorinus' mother, who evidently had a certain degree of influence in the army, then appointed the Governor to emperor. The reign of Tetricus was potmarked by a string of battles against loyalist Romans, other secessionist states, would-be crown usurpers and barbarians. It all finally ended when Tetricus arranged for surrender to the forcecs of Aurelian in exchange for his life. The plot was carried off and Aurelian subsequently pardoned him as well as appointed him to office either as governor of Lucania or as corrector of Italy. Contemporary historians relate how the two former adversaries retained a strong friendship.
