Lot 4481
Didius Julianus, end of March-end of May AD 193. AE Sestertius (17.2g) minted at Rome. [IMP] CAES M DID SEV - ER IVLIAN AVG. Laureate head of Julianus right. Reverse: RECTOR ORBIS S C. Julianus standing left holding a globe and roll. RIC 16a; BMCRE 28; Cohen 17. Some smoothing noted. Attractive olive-brown with reddish highlights. Bold depiction of Julianus. Very Fine. Rare.
Rome was thrown into chaos after the vile murder of Pertinax by the Praetorian guards on March 28, AD 193. Crazed by their greed and vulgar power, the Praetorians auctioned off the Purple. Bidding was locked between the city prefect, Flavius Sulpicianus, father-in-law of Pertinax, and the Milan-born plutocrat and senator Didius Julianus. Julianus won with a pledge of 25,000 Sestertii per Praetorian, and was hailed emperor by a cowering Senate. Infuriated, the Roman populace sent deputations to the frontier commanders to come and avenge Pertinax and put Rome right. Septimius Severus was the first to arrive. Seeking to save themselves, the Praetorians handed Julianus over. Pertinax was deified by the Senate, who condemned Julianus and raised Severus to emperor. On June 1 or 2, Didius Julianus was put to death like a common criminal.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
The Hunter Collection.
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| Realized $1,035 |
