Eugenius, 392-394. Siliqua (Silver, 18 mm, 2.20 g, 12 h), Lugdunum. D N EVGENI-VS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Eugenius to right. Rev. VRBS ROMA / LVGPS Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe in her right hand and inverted spear in her left. Bastien 230. RIC 46. RSC 18A. very fine.
Following the death of Valentinian II in May 392, his Frankish magister militum , Arbogast, hailed Eugenius emperor of the West. Eugenius, a professor of grammar and rhetoric, seemed a suitable selection as he posed little threat to Arbogast’s ambitions, but Eugenius’ replacement of the eastern emperor Theodosius I’s men in imperial posts with his own loyalists, as well as his generosity toward pagans, antagonized Theodosius and ultimately led to the Battle of the Frigidus in September 394. Theodosius’ forces were victorious, with Eugenius being captured and executed, while Arbogast committed suicide.