Julian II as Caesar, AE3, Constantinopolis mint. 355-361 AD, 1.839g, 15.00mm, die axis 180o OBV: DN CL IVLIANVS NOB CAES, Bare-headed, draped, cuirassed bust right. REV: SPES REI-PVBLICE, Julian standing left, helmeted, in military dress, holding globe and spear. Mintmark CONSS. REF: RIC VIII 150 I purchased this coin from FORVM earlier today. It's another reverse type I don't have for Julian II. The next one is the bull type, but I ain't in any rush to get one.
Nice looking pick up, GIL. Is this type any more rare than others? I do not have one, but I do have a bull reverse: JULIAN II Majorina OBVERSE: D N FL CL IVLI-ANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right REVERSE: SECVRITAS REIPVB dot, bull right, two stars above, palm branch-CONSPA-palm branch in ex. Struck at Constantinople 3 Nov 361 - 26 June 363 A.D 7.95g, 29.48mm RIC VIII 164
Oh yeah it is. Out of 193 Julian II coins for sale (gold, silver, bronze), there are only 6 available from different mints.
Sweet Julian-II score, Daryl ... I don't have an example with this rare reverse => I merely have my good ol' bull-coin!! .... mooooooo
The SPES standing figure was what replaced the Falling Horseman type near the end of Constantius II's reign. Julian trashed the type as soon as he was Augustus and gave us the coinage reform that started with the big bulls and went down to the Vota types that have the fancy portraits. To most collectors, the SPES is the least appealing coin of the period and I have to admit that some guy standing there on a poorly made tiny coin hardly compares to the coins before and after. All these coins are easily found in junky condition; none are common in really high grade. 4 Julians:
Good thing mine is neither junky nor high grade. It isn't one of the better designs, that's for sure. It fits into my collection but I figured I'd buy a coin there because I'm using their photo galleries and I plan on using it for awhile.
that's pretty solid for the type GG, seems like many times the flans are all chipped and messed up...that one is in good shape. i have a few jullian ii coins, this one..though not particularly good for the type...is my fav.
My Julian has neither the bull nor the Spes reverse---but the VOTA type as Doug posted, but different mintmarks:
I just received the coin in the mail today. It was actually difficult to shoot and I'm not 100% satisfied with the photo yet.
Add me to the list Steve!!! It seems more 'realistic' and natural than the typical types of that era......
