DIDIUS JULIANUS (193)

Marcus Didius Severus Julianus

"Purchased Purple" "And what terrible thing have I done?" asked Didius Julianus as he lay dying, after only 66 days of rule. He was born into an equestrian family that had amassed wealth through trade. He commanded the 22nd Legion along the Rhine and defeated the Germanic Chatti tribe. He governed Gallia Belgica, where he repelled a Chauci invasion. In 175 CE, he was appointed consul.

Didius learned of Pertinax's death during a banquet. Somewhat intoxicated, the senator decided to reach for the imperial purple. He outbid the prefect of Rome, Sulpicianus, by offering the Praetorian Guard 25,000 sesterces each. On March 28, the Senate declared him emperor by the will of the army, the Senate, and the people.

However, his rule faced opposition from Septimius Severus, Pescennius Niger, and Clodius Albinus. Severus was the first to capture Rome, and Didius was murdered by the Praetorians on June 1, 193 CE.

Obverse: Laureate head of Didius Julianus to right, IMP CAES M DID IVLIAN AVG

Reverse: Concordia standing front, head to left, holding aquila in her right hand and signum in her left, CONCORD MILIT

Mint: Rome, 193 A.D.

Weight: 2,38 g

Diameter: 18,5mm

Provenance: Jean Elsen & ses Fils

Reference : 20.1 RIC IV 1, RSC 2

Collection : IMPERIUM ROMANUM 04 - Severus