Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 138 18-19 May 2023
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Didius Julianus, 28th March – 1st June 193.
Aureus 193, AV 6.63 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). Calicó 2395 (this obverse die).
Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, undoubtedly among the
finest specimens known. A wonderful portrait struck on a full flan.
Virtually as struck and almost Fdc
Ex Bourgey sale 1958, Perret, 105, Leu 87, 2003, Perfectionist, 46 and Tkalec 7th May 2006, 172 sales.
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'état. 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 favour 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.
Aureus 193, AV 6.63 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). Calicó 2395 (this obverse die).
Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, undoubtedly among the
finest specimens known. A wonderful portrait struck on a full flan.
Virtually as struck and almost Fdc
Ex Bourgey sale 1958, Perret, 105, Leu 87, 2003, Perfectionist, 46 and Tkalec 7th May 2006, 172 sales.
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'état. 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 favour 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.