| Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 143 | Auction date: 7 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 548 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot  | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: The Dioscuri Collection. The Roman Empire. Didius Julianus, 193. Denarius 28th March-1st June 193, AR 17 mm, 3.25 g. IMP CAES M DID – IVLIAN AVG Laureate head r. Rev. RECTOR ORBIS Didius Julianus standing l., togate, holding globe and roll. C 15. BMC 7. RIC 3 Rare. A lovely portrait of fine style and a wonderful light with old cabinet tone metal flaw and minor marks on reverse, otherwise extremely fine Ex Sternberg XVIII, 1986,521; Stack's 29 November 1900, John Whitney Walter, 59; Harlan J. Berk Buy or Bid 66, 1991, 276; M&M 92, 2002, 121; NAC 80, 2014, E.G. 119 and Triton XX, 2017, 778 sales. From the KD collection. In the confusion that followed the assassination of Pertinax, the praetorian guard held a scandalous spectacle: an auction for the emperorship. There was spirited bidding between Flavius Sulpicianus, the father-in-law of the murdered Pertinax, and the senator Didius Julianus, one of the wealthiest men in Rome. When Julianus pledged an accession bonus of 25,000 sestertii per guard, it was a bid that Sulpicianus could not top. The praetorians led Julianus before the terrified Senate, which had no choice but to ratify the coup d'état. The people of Rome, however, were disgusted by this shameful turn of events and sent messengers to seek help from the commanders of the legions in the provinces. Three generals responded and marched on Rome. Septimius Severus, being the closest to Rome, had the upper hand. The praetorians were no match for the battle hardened soldiers from the frontier, and they quickly decided in favour of Severus. Didius Julianus was not so fortunate, as he was captured at the beginning of June and beheaded in the manner of a common criminal. Estimate: 5000 CHF |  |
