Numismatica Ars Classica Zurich

Auction 105  –  9 May 2018

Numismatica Ars Classica Zurich, Auction 105

The George W. La Borde Collection of Roman Aurei – part III

We, 09.05.2018, from 11:15 AM CEST
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Description

Julian of Pannonia, 284 – 285. Aureus, Siscia circa 284, AV 5.22 g. IMP C IVLIANVS P F AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. LIBERTAS PVBLICA Libertas standing l., holding pileus in r. hand and cornucopiae in l. C 4. RIC 1. Calicó 4416 (these dies). Extremely rare. Pierced and skillfully repaired at twelve o'clock on obverse, otherwise very fine Provenance Sold by Adolph Hess A.G. with Bank Leu, Lucerne, auction 19, 12-13 April 1962, lot 499, to Gerhard Hirsch (1903-1982). Sold by Bankhaus H. Aufhäuser, Münich, auction 17, 18 April 2003, lot 595. Privately sold by Robert Kokotailo – Calgary Coin Gallery in 2003. In 284 the Empire was in crisis: the 'dynasty' founded by Carus and his two sons in 282 had virtually collapsed, for not only had Carus died in 283 while campaigning against the Persians, but his youngest son, Numerian, who was leading the army back from the Persian front, died in the fall of 284. Remaining in power legitimately was the older brother, Carinus, who in the meantime had been ruling in the West. Following Numerian's murder, another commander, Diocles (the future emperor Diocletian), was hailed emperor in his place, and in opposition to Carinus in the West. Caught between these to rivals was a third commander, Julian of Pannonia, who then was governing the province of Venetia and determined to stake his claim. While keeping a wary eye on the approach of Diocletian, Carinus quickly dealt with the nearer usurper, Julian, whom he defeated early in 285. All of Julian's coins – billon aurelianiani and gold aurei (of which perhaps thirty are known) – were struck at Siscia, the only mint-city under his control.

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Price realized 16'000 CHF
Starting price 12'000 CHF
Estimate 15'000 CHF
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