Obolos 17

Julian II, 360-363. Siliqua (Silver, 18 mm, 1.86 g), Arelate (Arles), 2nd officina, 362-363. D N FL CL IVLI-ANVS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bearded bust of Julian II to right. Rev. VOT/ X/ MVLT/ XX in four lines within wreath, eagle in medallion in center of wreath; below wreath, SCONST. Cohen 148. RIC 309. Superb dark cabinet tone with blueish-grey iridescence. Small divet or chip on lower edfe beneath bust, otherwise, about extremely fine.

From an American collection, and ex 1887 East Harptree, Somerset Hoard (IRBCH 1424).

Discovered near the village of East Harptree in 1887, a hoard of 1496 late Roman silver coins, five silver ingots, and a Roman silver ring was first mentioned by Sir John Evans in the 1888 issue of the Numismatic Chronicle. The landowner, Mr. William Kettlewell, allowed the British Museum to acquire 25 of the most interesting coins and passed on the rest to his son, Colonel Kittlewell. A portion of the hoard on loan to a local church was stolen, but the balance, nearly 1200 pieces, was passed down through the family until it was eventually auctioned by Spink in September 2016. The coins all have a fine dark cabinet tone and, remarkably for this time period, show little evidence of clipping.