Æ (In the name of Julian II; Two stars above bull; shaved bust) (361-400) front Æ (In the name of Julian II; Two stars above bull; shaved bust) (361-400) back
Æ (In the name of Julian II; Two stars above bull; shaved bust) (361-400) photo
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.

Æ In the name of Julian II; Two stars above bull; shaved bust

 
Bronze 6.27 g 24 mm
Description
Issuer
Uncertain Germanic tribes
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
361-400
Currency
Solidus (circa 301-750)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
6.27 g
Diameter
24 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#165710
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Bull facing left with two stars above, all surrounded by legend.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
SEC[...]IST - IT[...]
TSE

Translation:
[Securitatis Rei-publicae]
[Security of the state]

Edge

Plain

Comment

This type is said to have been struck from the mid- to late-4th century. With Julian II only coming to power in 361, that is the most likely starting date for this type.

The denominations of bronze coins that are unknown to numismatists are referred to as Æ (AE), followed by the coin's diameter. The Æ part simply means the coin is made of a base alloy, and because the diameter of these coins is never exactly as intended, different numbers can appear after the Æ for the same type.

The exact lettering of the surrounding legend may vary; while some coins have legible legends, the legends of others may have been reduced to basically only lines.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of a bull on one side, which was a common motif in ancient Germanic culture and symbolized strength and fertility.