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.
AU Aureus
RIC 7, Schulte 50a, C 130 Aureus Obv: IMPCTETRICVSPFAVG - Laureate, cuirassed bust right. Rev: PMTRPIIICOSIIPP - Tetricus I standing right, stepping on globe, holding spear and parazonium. c.272-273 (Colonia Agrippinensis).
RIC 13, Schulte 71a, Calicó 3870 Aureus Obv: IMPCTETRICVSPFAVG - Laureate, cuirassed bust right. Rev: HILARITASAVGG - Hilaritas standing left, holding palm and cornucopia; child on either side. Dec 273 - Apr 274 (Treveri). $36,641 5/10/05. RIC 21, Schulte 21a, C 202 Aureus Obv: IMPCTETRICVSPFAVG - Laureate, cuirassed bust right. Rev: VIRTVSAVG - Virtus seated left, holding branch and spear. c.272-273 (Colonia Agrippinensis). Unlisted RIC, Schulte 34a, Elmer 820 Aureus Obv: IMPTETRICVSAVG - Laureate, cuirassed bust left, holding spear over shoulder and shield. Rev: VIRTVSAVG - Tetricus I standing left, holding globe and parazonium; seated captive to left. $29,875 12/5/02.