Procopius, 365 – 366. Solidus, Cyzicus 365-366, AV 4.46 g. D N PROCO – PIVS P F AVG Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. REPARATI – O FEL TEMP Emperor, in military attire, standing facing, head r., holding spear in r. hand and resting l. on shield; in exergue, SMKA. C 5. RIC 1. Depeyrot 5/1.
Very rare and undoubtedly the finest solidus of Procopius known. A portrait
of unusually fine style struck on a full flan, a perfect Fdc

Ex Tkalec sale 28 February 2007, Bolla, 113. Privately purchased from Ratto in Lugano in 1981.
In Procopius we have one of the more legitimate rebels in Roman history. When Julian II was killed in battle against the Persians in the summer of 363, it was Procopius, a relative of Julian II and one of his campaign commanders, who bore his body back to Cilicia for burial. Futhermore, it was rumoured that he had been named successor. Despite all this, the divided army did not recognize Procopius’ claim and selected Jovian, who seems to have been neutral in the east-west divide within the ranks. Another reason Procopius might have been denied was his probable sympathy toward paganism, which we might presume from his close association with Julian and his choice to wear a beard. Because of his prominence, Procopius was in grave danger and so went into hiding, emerging only when the new eastern emperor Valens was travelling to Syria. Much was working in favour of Procopius: not only was Valens far away, but the locals in Constantinople were desperate for relief from Petronius, the corrupt father-in-law of Valens who had been left behind in command. Procopius’ revolt was easily sparked, but proved impossible to maintain. The contemporary historian Ammianus reports that Procopius tried to extend his rule into the strategically important Illyricum through the offer of an accession donative, but apparently even this failed. With the passage of time Procopius’ support in the army eroded until he left the capital with what remained of his army to confront Valens. The pitched battle which Procopius no doubt considered his only chance for survival never materialized, as he was handed over to Valens after the battle of Nacolia in the summer of 366 and was executed.