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 pot marked 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
forces 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.
Obv-IMP CM CL TACITVS AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev-SALVS AVG Salus standing right and feeding a serpent.