Here is a lovely silver coin from the Emperor Julian II. The RIC (Roman Imperial Coinage) rates the RIC VIII 227 a C3. It also says that the Julian II bust with this obverse legend from Lyons Mint of the “VOTIS” series is pearl-diademed. This is a rosette-diademed bust.
FRONT/ FL CL IVLIA-NVS PP AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. BACK/ VOTIS V MVLTIS X in four lines within wreath. Mintmark PLVG. Lyons Mint. Struck 360-363 AD (1,660+ years ago). Ref: RIC VIII Lyons 227 var (bust type); RSC 163b var (ditto); Sear 4071 var (ditto). Weight: 1.68grams
Here's what wildwinds.com says: "Note: Neither RIC, RSC, ERIC nor Sear lists the rosette diadem for this obverse legend for the Lyons, VOTIS.. type reverse." As such, this is a very rare version of #227. Here is your chance to own it.
About Emperor Julian II
Julian II, who reigned from 360 to 363 AD, was the son of Constantius Gallus. He was made Caesar by Constantius II, his own father's murderer. Under Constantius' orders, Julian was given command of an army and sent to quell another German invasion. Upon successfully completing this mission, his own soldiers elevated him to the position of Augustus.
Still harboring resentment over his father's fate, Julian was well-prepared to confront Constantius in battle. However, fate intervened as Constantius succumbed to illness while en route, allowing Julian to ascend to power without a contest. Julian sought to reverse the rising influence of Christianity in the empire and aimed to revive the old pagan gods and their rituals. This endeavor may have been motivated by personal conviction and a desire to counter the legacy of the Constantines, who had inflicted harm on his family.
Despite his efforts to combat Christianity, Julian's focus shifted when he led his army against new Persian invasions. This left him with little time to concentrate on eradicating the Christian faith. Tragically, he met his end in 363 due to a fatal javelin wound sustained while fighting the Persians.
Notes
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