2017-05-19 Fri

Vetranio was born in Moesia in the 290s CE and served under Constantine I’s army (AD 306-337). After Constantine's death, the Roman Empire was split between his three surviving sons: Constantine II, Constantius II, and Constans. In 340 CE, sibling rivalry led to the death of Constantine II and the West went to Constans. He made Vetranio master of infantry for Pannonia.

In 350, Constans was replaced by Frankish-born Magnentius, who was not a part of the Constantinian dynasty. Magnentius gained power in Gaul and Italy; started attacking Constantius II, Emperor of the East. Vetranio was loyal to the house of Constantine for 30 long years and was confused if he should support Magnentius.

Constantia, the eldest sister of Constantius, asked Vetranio that he should support her brother by temporarily becoming the king keeping the Pannonian army from supporting Magnentius. Vetranio was declared Augustus at Mursa. A letter was sent to Constantius stating the situation. He agreed with his sister’s decision and an imperial purple cloak along with lots of money to pay the Balkan troops. Constantius asked Vetranio to stop Magnentius' eastward attack till he could personally handle the situation.

Vetranio played his game for 10 long years, at times being loyal to Constantius and at times telling Magnentius that he is open to a partnership. In 350, Constantius met Vetranio at Naissus in modern Serbia. Vetranio was abdicated to the throne. Constantius praised Vetranio's loyalty and gave him an estate in Bithynia. Vetranio had brilliantly played his part and enjoyed power in the Roman world for a short period.

Vetranio struck coins in his own name and of Constantius II at Siscia and Thessalonica mints. His bronze coins are rare, the silver rare, the gold coins are even rarer. The obverse features the old-style laurel wreath giving him a subordinate status. The reverse depicts Victory crowning an emperor in military dress, along with the inscription, "HOC SIGNO VICTOR ERIS" ("In this sign, you will conquer". The "divine vision" convinced Constantine the Great to support the Christians and their God before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE. Vetranio's coin proves that by 350 CE the story of Constantine's vision was very popular.