Lot 149
Rome. Julian II, the Hellene, 360-363 AD. Gold Solidus (4.50 g), Sirmium mint, struck 361-363 AD. Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right of Julian, with full beard. Reverse: Soldier in full armor, advancing right with head turned back, holding trophy before his left shoulder, his right hand grasping the head of captive kneeling behind him; VIRTVS EXERCITVS ROMANORVM; in exergue, SIRM, flanked by branch and wreath. RIC 99a; C. 78; Fr-879. Finely centered and struck. Softly lustrous. NGC graded Uncirculated.
One of my (P.R.) favorite biographies on the emperors is Julian, by Gore Vidal; its approach to this complex era is compelling. Others highly recommended are Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar (especially for young people) and all titles by Ferdinand Gregorovius, Robert Graves and those written by my friend, the late Michael Grant. Michael Grant has incorporated a wonderful realism in all his many works, and was a learned numismatist as well as historian.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
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| Realized $8,913 |
