AV Solidus ND 4.54g./22mm. Rome Mint Julian II 360-63 obv. Pearl-diademed/ draped/ cuirassed bust right rev. Soldier holding trophy/ hand on captive In battle vs the Sassanians, his army was defeated and eventually died from being struck by a spear, which pierced his liver.
An excellent coin as usual @panzerman Pitty about the damage on the tunic area of the bust, but otherwise a superb coin. I wish I could afford one.
It seems I will never have a coin to rival one of @panzerman's, and this one doesn't because it's in bronze... but still, surely one of the best Julian AE1s out there: Too bad about the slight doubling on the reverse, but hey, I love this coin. And I highly recommend Gore Vidal's novel Julian to go with your own example of this last pagan emperor.
Too bad Helios didn't protect Julian II from a spear wound to his liver. Guess the ancient Gods didn't care much for their last protector. Here in this Sassanian relief you can see angelic figure Mithra, the Ahura Mazda (creator God of Mithraism) and Emperor Ardashir II, with the dead Julian II on the floor, his corpse underneath their feet. (Poetic license because Julian died in a Roman camp from complications after surgery. Interestingly, the wound itself was not necessarily fatal for skilled Roman surgeons, and the surgery was at first successful, but on the second day Julian II developed internal bleeding and died.
Thanks everyone, for nice comments. Severus Alexander....that AE of Julian is very beautifull/great portrait Sallent/ I have to admit....I did not see that scrape on tunic....I guess I got over excited during auction. Auction house did not mention it either. But, the coin is way smaller, luckily so is that mark.
The scrape is no big deal. It's still a wonderful coin, but if it bothers you that much I'll take it off of you free of charge. I'm that good a friend.
Thanks, Pman... I feel fortunate to have a coin that even begins to deserve to be on the same page as yours! I didn't notice the scrape, either... it's not very noticeable! Just looks like a drapery fold...
atta-boy, panzerdawg => congrats on that amazing golden OP-winner!! Ummm, Julian-II ... sure, I have a couple of humble examples that I can share cheers
