Didius Julianus AE Sestertius Early Renaissance Aftercast “Paduan” from Giovanni Cavino Circa 1600 Bronze Coin with Deep Green Patina Museum Reproduction CBRS0036

Description

There are no Roman coins of this type, but the reverse image is similar to those on Syracusan decadrachms.

Didius Julianus was born in 133 A.D. and followed a military career. He rose to the rank of legion commander, then Consul and Proconsul of Africa. After Pertinax was murdered, the Praetorian Guard (the emperor’s personal bodyguard force) advertised that they were offering the throne to the highest bidder. If not the richest, Didius Julianus was one the richest men in Rome and offered 25,000 sestertii for each man! The Roman people were incensed by the auction and several provincial governors rose up against him. As Septimius Severus approached Rome, only 66 days into his reign, Didius Julianus was betrayed and beheaded by the Praetorians. Coins of Didius Julianus are very rare due to his short reign.
DESIGN:
Obverse side
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Didius Julianus (193 AD), left
Legend:
IMP CAES DID SEVERVS [I]VLIAN AVG

Reverse side
Quadriga rushing left; above, Victory crowning charioteer
Legend:
COS II S•C• in ex. in two lines

A perfect choice for Numismatists, Historians, Military Veterans, Collectors.