Watch List notes:

The Roman Empire

Didius Julianus, 28th March – 1st June 193. Aureus 193, AV 6.73 g. IMP CAES M DID – IVLIAN AVG Laureate head r. Rev. P M TR – P COS Fortuna standing l., holding rudder on globe and cornucopiae. C 8. BMC 4 and pl, 3, 7 (this obverse die). RIC 2a. A.M. Woodward, NC 1961, pl. 6, 5 (this obverse die) and 2c (this reverse die ?). Calicó 2395 (this obverse die).
Very rare and in unusually fine condition for this difficult issue. An appealing
portrait of fine style and with a light iridescent tone, extremely fine
Ex NAC sale 45, 2008, 137.In the confusion that followed the assassination of Pertinax, the praetorian guard held a scandalous spectacle: an auction for the emperorship. There was spirited bidding between Flavius Sulpicianus, the father-in-law of the murdered Pertinax, and the senator Didius Julianus, one of the wealthiest men in Rome. When Julianus pledged an accession bonus of 25,000 sestertii per guard, it was a bid that Sulpicianus could not top. The praetorians led Julianus before the terrified Senate, which had no choice but to ratify the coup d'etat. The people of Rome, however, were disgusted by this shameful turn of events and sent messengers to seek help from the commanders of the legions in the provinces. Three generals responded and marched on Rome. Septimius Severus, being the closest to Rome, had the upper hand. The praetorians were no match for the battle hardened soldiers from the frontier, and they quickly decided in favor of Severus. Didius Julianus was not so fortunate, as he was captured at the beginning of June and beheaded in the manner of a common criminal.