Julian II Coins: The Philosopher Emperor and His Bull Reverse
Julian II ruled as sole Roman emperor from AD 361 to 363 and is remembered as the last emperor openly committed to restoring traditional Greco-Roman religion to imperial favor. His coins are especially recognizable for a famous large bronze type showing a bearded Julian and a bull with two stars.
Who Was Julian II?
Julian was born in AD 331 or 332 into the Constantinian dynasty. Much of his extended family was killed after Constantine the Great died in AD 337. Julian survived, received an elite Greek education, and became deeply interested in philosophy and Neoplatonism.
Constantius II appointed him Caesar in AD 355 and sent him to Gaul. Julian proved an effective commander, defeating the Alamanni near Argentoratum—modern Strasbourg—in AD 357.
His troops acclaimed him Augustus in AD 360. A civil war with Constantius II was approaching when Constantius died in November 361, leaving Julian as sole emperor.
Why Is Julian Called “the Apostate”?
Julian had been raised within Christianity but later rejected it and embraced traditional Greco-Roman cults and Neoplatonic religious philosophy. Christian writers therefore called him “the Apostate.”
The label reflects the perspective of Christian historical tradition and was not Julian’s own title.
Did Julian Try to Restore Pagan Religion?
Yes, but “make Rome pagan again” oversimplifies his program. Traditional cults had never disappeared. Julian restored sacrifices, supported temples and priesthoods, reduced some Christian privileges, and tried to organize traditional religion more systematically.
He also proclaimed religious toleration early in his sole reign and recalled bishops exiled during Christian theological disputes. His policies nevertheless increasingly disadvantaged Christians in some areas.
His controversial education law of AD 362 required teachers to meet standards of character and orthodoxy approved by municipal authorities and ultimately the emperor. Julian’s accompanying arguments made clear that he considered it inconsistent for Christian teachers to explain classical authors while rejecting the gods central to those texts. The practical effect was to restrict Christian participation in elite classical education.
Julian’s Persian Campaign and Death
In AD 363 Julian invaded the Sasanian Empire and advanced as far as the vicinity of Ctesiphon. After the campaign failed to achieve a decisive strategic result, the Roman army withdrew.
Julian was mortally wounded during fighting on June 26, 363. Ancient accounts differ over details and later polemic generated competing stories about who struck the fatal blow. What is secure is that he died from a spear wound sustained during the retreat.
His successor Jovian was a Christian and reversed Julian’s religious program.
What Does Julian II’s Bull Coin Show?
Julian’s most famous coin is a large bronze struck in AD 362–363. The obverse shows Julian bearded and diademed. The reverse shows a bull standing right with two stars above, accompanied by the legend SECVRITAS REIPVB.
The type was struck at several imperial mints and is one of the most distinctive Late Roman bronzes.
What Does the Bull Mean?
The exact meaning remains debated.
Interpretations have connected the bull with sacrificial religion, Julian’s traditional religious program, solar symbolism, astrology, the Apis bull, and other possibilities. No single explanation has won universal agreement.
For collectors, the safest description is that the type belongs to Julian’s deliberately traditional religious and ideological self-presentation without claiming that one specific interpretation is proven.
Why Is Julian Bearded on His Coins?
The beard distinguished Julian visually from the generally clean-shaven portrait tradition of his immediate Constantinian predecessors. It also suited the public image of a Greek philosopher-emperor.
Portrait style varies by mint and die, so the beard should be considered alongside the legend, bust type, mint mark, and reverse when attributing a coin.
What Other Coins Did Julian II Issue?
Julian’s coinage includes issues from his years as Caesar as well as his sole reign. Collectors encounter smaller bronzes with military and votive themes, silver siliquae, and gold solidi in addition to the famous bull bronzes.
A collection can therefore follow his transition from subordinate Caesar under Constantius II to independent Augustus.
Are Julian II Coins Rare?
Not all of them. Some bronze types are obtainable, while particular mints, denominations, varieties, and high-grade examples can be scarce or expensive.
The large bull type attracts especially strong demand. Value depends on mint, rarity, centering, portrait quality, surface preservation, completeness of the bull and stars, and overall eye appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Julian II the last pagan Roman emperor?
He is conventionally described as the last Roman emperor openly devoted to traditional Greco-Roman religion. Traditional practices continued after his death, but subsequent emperors were Christian.
What does SECVRITAS REIPVB mean?
It refers to the security or stability of the Roman state or commonwealth.
When was Julian’s bull coin struck?
The famous bull bronzes belong to his sole reign, principally AD 362–363.
Does the bull represent Apis?
That has been proposed, but it is not certain. The bull’s precise symbolism remains debated.
Are Julian II coins good for beginners?
Yes. His more common bronzes combine recognizable portraiture, strong historical context, and useful mint marks. The large bull type can cost more because of its popularity.
Final Thought
Julian’s coins are compelling because they document an emperor consciously presenting himself against the religious direction of the Constantinian age.
His reign lasted less than two years as sole emperor, but the bearded portrait and bull reverse made his ideological program unusually visible on Roman money.