JULIAN II THE APOSTATE (PHILOSOPHER) AE DOUBLE MAIORINA, 355 - 361 C.E.
RIC 318, LRBC 468, Very Fine, reverse softly struck, 25mm, 8.24 grams, Arelate
Obverse: D N FL CL IVLIANVS P F AVG around pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Julian to right
Reverse: Bull standing right, two stars above, eagle standing on wreath holding wreath in beak at right, TCONST in exergue
Very interesting portrait style. Quite unusual and seemingly botched reverse legend make this a likely barbarous issue.
Ex: German Collection. Purchased October, 2006 in Paris
Julian II was the emperor who intended to rebuild the 3rd Temple in Jerusalem but was killed before he could complete the task. This marked the end of any attempt or serious consideration of rebuilding the Temple in antiquity.
