The solidus was a gold coin, issued in the Late Roman Empire, at the time of Diocletian. It continued to be circulated into the Byzantine Empire and until the 11th century AD. The coin had a vast circulation and was also used as a unit of weight of approximately 4.5 grams. The Emperor Julian was a man of unusually complex character; a military commander, a fine intellectual and a social reformer. He was the last non-Christian ruler of the Roman Empire, and he believed that it was necessary to restore the Empire’s ancient Roman values and traditions in order to save it from dissolution. He rejected Christianity and instead promoted the restoration of paganism, causing him to be remembered as Julian the Apostate in Christian tradition.
Roman Gold Julian the Apostate Solidus Swivel Pendant
£ 1,900.00
A gold solidus of Julian II the Apostate, presented in a gold and silver swivel pendant. The obverse of the coin depicts a pearl-diademed and bearded bust of the emperor, looking right. He wears a drape and cuirasse: military attire that portrays the emperor as a successful war leader. An inscription, known as a legend, encircles the bust and reads; FL CL IVLIANVS P P AVG, This indicates the name of the emperor, Julian, and his title as Augustus. The reverse presents a soldier, standing to the right, head to left, holding a trophy and dragging a captive by the hair. The legend on the reverse reads; VIRTVS EXERCITVS ROMANORVM, one again celebrating the emperor as a powerful military leader. Another short inscription appears at the bottom, reading ANT Θ in exergue, indicating the coin was minted in Antioch.
The coin is surrounded by an 18k modern gold frame, with a diamond adornment at the bottom. This is connected to a swivel pendant, made of silver, via two large domed terminals. These hinges lead to a decorated ribbed silver handle which twists in the centre to hold a suspension loop. The coin can rotate exposing both sides of the coin.
Please be aware that the chain is for reference only, we do have chains available upon enquiry.
Provenance: From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; from her collection formed early 1960s-1990s
Condition: Good condition. Some of the details have faded due to wear but the images are still clearly defined. Original coin has been pierced.
| Weight | 12.1 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 3.5 x W 4 cm |
| Metal | Gold, Silver |
| Region | Southern Europe |
| Roman & Byzantine Rulers | Julian the Apostate |
Reference: For a similar item, For similar item, see The Metropolitan Museum, New York, item number: 04.35.21
