Julian II, ‘The Apostate’. Sirmium, AD 362-3. Bronze centenionalis. 18-20mm. 3.06g. Helmeted bust left with spear and shield, D N FL CL IVLIANVS P F AVG./ VOT X MVLT XX in wreath, SIRM in exergue. RCV 19172. Good VF, large flan, imposing imperial bust, dark green patina. Ex D Simpson collection.                                                                        Was £65. Now only £30

Julian II was called ‘The Apostate’ because, unlike his Constantinian family, he converted to paganism. He wrote a satirical text Misopogon ‘The Beard-Hater’.