AE Follis AE3, A.D. 364-367, Siscia, 18.2mm, 2.23g, 0°, RIC IX 7b.2.
Obv: D N VALEN-S P F AVG. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE. Victory advancing left holding wreath and palm; •ASISC in ex.
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Flavius Julius Valens was Roman Emperor from 364 to 378, after he was given the Eastern part of the empire by his brother Valentinian I. Adrianople was the most significant event in Valens' career. Valens is also credited with the commission of a short history of the Roman State. This work, produced by Valens' secretary Eutropius, and known by the name Breviarium ab Urbe condita, tells the story of Rome from its founding. According to some historians, Valens was motivated by the necessity of learning Roman history, that he, the royal family and their appointees might better mix with the Roman Senatorial class.

Adrianople spelled the beginning of the end for Roman territorial integrity in the late empire and this fact was recognized even by contemporaries. Gothic cavalry under the command of Althaeus and Saphrax struck what was probably the most decisive event of the battle and the Roman cavalry fled. From here, Ammianus gives two accounts of Valens' demise. In the first account, Ammianus states that Valens was "mortally wounded by an arrow, and presently breathed his last breath." His body was never found or given a proper burial. In the second account, Ammianus states the Roman infantry was abandoned, surrounded and cut to pieces. Valens was wounded and carried to a small wooden hut. The hut was surrounded by the Goths who put it to the torch, evidently unaware of the prize within. A third apochryphal account states that Valens was struck in the face by a Gothic dart and then perished while leading a charge. He wore no helmet to encourage his men.

When the battle was over, two-thirds of the eastern army lay dead. Many of their best officers had also perished. What was left of the army of Valens was led from the field under the cover of night by Comes Richomer and General Victor. For Rome, the battle incapacitated the government. Emperor Gratian, nineteen years old, was overcome by the debacle, and until he appointed Theodosius I, was unable to deal with the catastrophe which spread out of control.