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RIC IV Trajan Decius 142B

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Trajan Decius 142B. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Trajan Decius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Herennius Etruscus, radiate, draped, right, with the legend Q HER ETR MES DECIVS NOB C.

The reverse shows mercury, nude except for cloak on shoulders, standing left, holding purse and caduceus, with the legend PIETAS AVGG.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
4
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Trajan Decius ruled the Roman Empire from 249 to 251, having been proclaimed emperor by his troops and recognised by the Senate after defeating Philip the Arab. Throughout his reign, Decius sought to strengthen the Roman state and its religion. In his final year, he ruled alongside his son Herennius Etruscus until both were killed fighting the Goths at the Battle of Abritus.

This silver antoninianus was produced at Rome under the authority of Trajan Decius. First introduced in 215, the antoninianus was a double denomination valued at two denarii, distinguished by a radiate crown on depictions of male rulers. The obverse presents a radiate and draped bust of Herennius Etruscus with the legend "Q HER ETR MES DECIVS NOB C". The reverse depicts Mercury standing left, holding a purse and caduceus, accompanied by the inscription "PIETAS AVGG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan Decius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Herennius Etruscus, radiate, draped, right
Reverse
Mercury, nude except for cloak on shoulders, standing left, holding purse and caduceus
Obverse legend
Q HER ETR MES DECIVS NOB C
Reverse legend
PIETAS AVGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Trajan Decius 142B
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
Q HER ETR MES DECIVS NOB C
Reverse legend to match
PIETAS AVGG
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
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

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
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