Ancient Roman Bronze Sestertius of Trajan Decius, Moesia issue
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
249-251 AD
This ancient Roman sestertius features the portrait of Emperor Trajan Decius, who ruled from 249 to 251 AD. The coin is minted in bronze, a base metal composition typical for the sestertius denomination during this period of the Roman Empire.
The obverse depicts the profile bust of the emperor. The reverse design features a scene associated with the province of Moesia, specifically incorporating a lion and a bull, which serves as a regional identifier for the issue. The coin measures between 26 and 28 mm in diameter, a standard size range for sestertii of this era. Presented in a protective holder, the coin shows typical characteristics of an ancient struck piece.
This type of numismatic artifact provides insight into Roman imperial propaganda and provincial representation during the mid-third century AD, illustrating the official coinage system used for daily commerce throughout the empire's vast territories.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Diameter
- 26-28 mm
- Material
- Bronze
Technical characteristics
- Denomination
- Sestertius
Design
- Obverse
- Portrait bust of Emperor Trajan Decius
- Reverse
- Lion and bull
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.