Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 138 18-19 May 2023
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Julian of Pannonia, 284 – 285.
Aureus, Siscia circa 284, AV 3.96 g. IMP C IVLIANVS P F AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. LIBERTAS PVBLICA Libertas standing l., holding pileus in r. hand and cornucopiae in l. C 4. RIC 1. Calicó 4416 (this reverse die).
Extremely rare. Struck on a very large flan and with a lovely reddish tone,
minor edge marks, otherwise extremely fine
Ex Tkalec sale 28 February 2007, Bolla, 90. Privately purchased in 1981.
In 284 the Empire was in crisis: the 'dynasty' founded by Carus and his two sons in 282 had virtually collapsed, for not only had Carus died in 283 while campaigning against the Persians, but his youngest son, Numerian, who was leading the army back from the Persian front, died in the fall of 284. Remaining in power legitimately was the older brother, Carinus, who in the meantime had been ruling in the West. Following Numerian's murder, another commander, Diocles (the future emperor Diocletian), was hailed emperor in his place, and in opposition to Carinus in the West. Caught between these two rivals was a third commander, Julian of Pannonia, who then was governing the province of Venetia and determined to stake his claim. While keeping a wary eye on the approach of Diocletian, Carinus quickly dealt with the nearer usurper, Julian, whom he defeated early in 285. All of Julian's coins – billon aurelianiani and gold aurei (of which perhaps thirty are known) – were struck at Siscia, the only mint-city under his control.
Aureus, Siscia circa 284, AV 3.96 g. IMP C IVLIANVS P F AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. LIBERTAS PVBLICA Libertas standing l., holding pileus in r. hand and cornucopiae in l. C 4. RIC 1. Calicó 4416 (this reverse die).
Extremely rare. Struck on a very large flan and with a lovely reddish tone,
minor edge marks, otherwise extremely fine
Ex Tkalec sale 28 February 2007, Bolla, 90. Privately purchased in 1981.
In 284 the Empire was in crisis: the 'dynasty' founded by Carus and his two sons in 282 had virtually collapsed, for not only had Carus died in 283 while campaigning against the Persians, but his youngest son, Numerian, who was leading the army back from the Persian front, died in the fall of 284. Remaining in power legitimately was the older brother, Carinus, who in the meantime had been ruling in the West. Following Numerian's murder, another commander, Diocles (the future emperor Diocletian), was hailed emperor in his place, and in opposition to Carinus in the West. Caught between these two rivals was a third commander, Julian of Pannonia, who then was governing the province of Venetia and determined to stake his claim. While keeping a wary eye on the approach of Diocletian, Carinus quickly dealt with the nearer usurper, Julian, whom he defeated early in 285. All of Julian's coins – billon aurelianiani and gold aurei (of which perhaps thirty are known) – were struck at Siscia, the only mint-city under his control.