★ A rare antoninianus of Julian of Pannonia ★

Julian of Pannonia, usurper, 284-285. Antoninianus (Bronze, 23 mm, 3.86 g, 12 h), Siscia. IMP C M AVR IVLIANVS P F AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Julian to right. Rev. FELICITAS TEMPORVM / S - B / XXI Felicitas standing front, head to left, holding caduceus in her right hand and long scepter in her left. Cohen 1. RIC 2. Rare. Some deposits and with minor weakness on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.

Marcus Aurelius Julianus was prefect or corrector in northern Italy when both Carus and his son Numerian passed away in rapid succession in 283-284. Diocletian was proclaimed the new emperor in opposition to Carinus in Nicomedia, and amidst the chaos, Julian seized the opportunity to claim the throne with the support of the Pannonian troops. As evidenced by his coins, he held at least Siscia, but he was soon defeated and killed by Carinus in 285, either near Verona or in Illyricum.