Lot 1813

Description

Italy, Papal Coinage, Julius II (Giuliano Della Rovere), (1503-1513), silver giulio (3.46 g), Rome mint, obv. ? IVLIVS ? II ? ? PONT ? MAX ?, papal arms above coat of ; all within quatrelobe, rev. ? PASTOR ? DOCTOR, saints Peter and Paul standing facing, each holding Gospels, and holding key and sword, ROMA in exergue, (CNI XV 87; Muntoni 25; Berman 571). Very fine or better, lightly toned.

Ex Dr L.J. Sherwin Collection, bought from Jean Elsen Sale 97 (lot 1272).
The altar boy and nephew of Pope Sixtus IV, Julius II dealt with foreign affairs very forcefully, regaining Perugia and Bologna from their despots, even leading troops himself. In mourning for the loss of Bologna, he wore a beard for nine months, a practice which Clement VII copied and made vogue. Julius II was also a patron of the arts, financing artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bramante.