Julian II with spear and shield - minted 361-363 AD [RIC VIII 220B] SHIPS FREE!

Description: After more than 60 years of collecting coins, it is time to move them along to new homes. Here is an interesting coin with real "character" and a great design issued between 361-363 AD under – Julian II or “Julian the Apostate.” Julian was the Caesar of the Western Roman Empire from 355-360 AD and supreme Augustus from 361-363. A nephew of Constantine the Great, he was a notable philosopher and author in Greek and his rejection of Christianity and promotion of Hellenism in its place, caused him to be remembered as Julian the Apostate. In 363, Julian embarked on an ambitious campaign against the Sasanian Empire. but he soon faced supply problems and was forced to retreat northwards while being ceaselessly harassed by Persian skirmishers. During the retreat Julian was mortally wounded and was succeeded by Jovian. This bronze measures 21mm in diameter, was well centered when struck, has good details, and has toned to a pretty medium bronze patina with some light bronze highlights. However, it appears that an undersized bronze flan was used and the die not being completely filled with metal resulted in a very thin coin being struck. As each ancient coin was individually hand struck, each are unique, and I liked the look of this one! The obverse has good details and a truly classic power portrait of Julian II pearl diademed and cuirassed bust facing left holding a spear and shield. The obverse legend reads DN FL CL IVLI-ANVS PF AVG. The reverse is not as well struck and has the “VOT X MVLT XX” legend within four lines design within a wreath. The Antioch mintmark “ANTB” with palm branch shows in the exergue below. This type is shown in reference book RIC VIII Antioch 220 B. This coin is referred to as a AR siliqua or “reduced” siliqua and is listed in the Handbook of Roman Imperial Coins (the RIC) in the “VB2” range which is not a common coin and is an infrequently seen type – not rare, but not common. I am offering this one at a good price so that my collection does not wind up in my “estate sale” and as everything needs to find a new home, am providing FREE SHIPPING to within the US.

Price: 12 USD

Location: Leland, North Carolina

End Time: 2025-02-11T20:54:26.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD