Struck during the final years of a restless and contested reign, this silver siliqua of Julian II reflects the ceremonial language of late Roman power at a moment of transition. Issued at Lugdunum, the principal imperial mint of Roman Gaul, the coin pairs a formal imperial portrait with a vow formula that expressed continuity and hope in an era marked by uncertainty. A perfect coin for a five-year anniversary (Roman emperors took vows (VOTA) promising to do something for the gods if the gods did something the emperor wanted. The emperor wanted a long reign, of course, and many coin types mention "VOT V"-- vows for five years of reign).
The History
Julian II reigned as Augustus for barely two years, yet his rule occupies a distinctive place in Roman history. Educated in classical literature and philosophy, Julian sought to revive traditional Roman religious practices in an empire that had largely embraced Christianity under his predecessors. His intellectual ambitions and reformist agenda earned him lasting attention from both admirers and critics.
The siliqua was a high-quality silver denomination of the late Roman Empire, used for official payments, military distributions, and elite circulation. Coins of this type carried more than monetary value; they conveyed carefully chosen messages of legitimacy and stability. The obverse portrait presents Julian as a traditional soldier-emperor, armored and diademed, aligned with the visual language established in the Constantinian era.
The reverse inscription, “VOTIS V MVLTIS X,” records vows undertaken for five years of rule, with aspirations for ten. Such formulas were ritual expressions of imperial continuity and divine favor, repeated across the empire even when political realities were fragile. That this inscription appears on a coin struck so late in Julian’s reign underscores the tension between idealized permanence and historical brevity.
Struck at Lugdunum, a mint long associated with imperial authority in the western provinces, this siliqua circulated among administrators, officers, and civilians, embedding imperial promises into everyday exchange.
What's Included
Hand-set pendant in 14k gold
Sterling silver chain (18, 20, or 24 inches) included
Optional 14k gold chain upgrade available at checkout
Certificate of authenticity with historical notes
Luxury gift box
Free insured U.S. shipping (international available)
Reverse: “VOTIS V MVLTIS X” within a laurel wreath
Roman Silver Siliqua of Julian II
$1,450.00
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Thank you for making this spectacular necklace! I provided the denarius of Julia Domna, and they did the rest. I was delighted with the results - and so (more importantly) was my girlfriend.
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FAQs
Are all coins authentic?
Yes! All coins are genuine, not replicas. Fakes are rare because good forgeries take too much effort for low-value coins, and bad ones are easy to spot.
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