Julian of Pannonia, usurper, 284-285. Antoninianus (Silvered bronze, 22 mm, 4.00 g, 12 h), Siscia. IMP C M AVR IVLIANVS P F AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Julian to right. Rev. VICTORIA AVG / S - A / XXI Victory standing front, head to left, holding wreath in her right hand and palm frond in her left. Cohen 8. RIC 5. Venèra 4397. Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. A well struck example with faint silvering and an excellent portrait. Minor deposits and with a thin flan crack, otherwise, extremely fine.


Marcus Aurelius Julianus was prefect or corrector in northern Italy when both Carus and his son Numerian passed away in rapid succession in 283-284. Diocletian was proclaimed the new emperor in opposition to Carinus in Nicomedia, and amidst the chaos, Julian seized the opportunity to claim the throne with the support of the Pannonian troops. As evidenced by his coins, he held at least Siscia, but he was soon defeated and killed by Carinus in 285, either near Verona or in Illyricum.