Lot 5367

Description

Didius Julianus, (A.D. 193), silver denarius, issued March - June 193, Rome mint, (2.88 grams), obv. laureate head to right, around IMP CAES M DID IVLIAN AVG, rev. CONCORD MILIT, Concordia Militum standing to left, holding two standards, dotted border, (S.6072, RIC 1, RSC 2, BMC 2). A superb attractive example, extremely fine and very rare.

The reverse of this coin depicting Concordia Militaris is a desperate attempt by Didius Julianus to promote harmony with the Roman armies. In March he had purchased the office of emperor from the avaricious praetorian guard who staged a disgraceful auction after the murder of Pertinax. Didius Julianus failed to pay the full amount and he was deserted by the guard. He was murdered in the palace after a reign of only 66 days.