Julian II "The Apostate" Roman AE (As Augustus) (AD 361-363) NGC

Own a certified Roman bronze AE of Julian II (AD 361–363), authenticated and slabbed by NGC. This coin captures the brief but remarkable reign of Rome’s last pagan emperor — a philosopher, reformer, and controversial figure remembered through the lens of history as "the Apostate."

Julian was a member of the Constantinian dynasty but grew up estranged from the Christian faith that his family had embraced. A gifted scholar and military leader, he first distinguished himself as Caesar in Gaul, where he successfully repelled Germanic invasions and restored order to the troubled western provinces.

Upon becoming Augustus in 361 AD, Julian sought to revive Rome’s ancient pagan traditions, promoting religious tolerance but personally rejecting Christianity. His efforts to restore the temples and pagan priesthoods earned him the title "the Apostate" from later Christian writers, who viewed his reign as a final, failed attempt to turn back the Christianization of the empire.

Julian’s reign was cut short during a campaign against the Sassanid Persians. He died from wounds sustained in battle in 363 AD, ending any serious revival of paganism within the empire.

Bronze AE coins of Julian typically feature his bearded, diademed bust on the obverse, symbolizing his link to Rome’s older traditions, with reverses celebrating military victories, the empire’s resilience, or divine protection.

Certified by NGC, this AE coin offers collectors a rare and poignant connection to one of Rome’s most fascinating and intellectually complex rulers.