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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Trajan Decius 16C

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Trajan Decius 16C. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Trajan Decius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Trajan Decius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG.

The reverse shows genius, wearing polos on head, nude except for short cloak on shoulders, standing left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; to right, standard, with the legend GENIVS EXERC ILLVRICIANI.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
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, born Gaius Messius Quintus Trajanus Decius, served as Roman emperor from 249 to 251. Formerly a politician under Philip the Arab, he was proclaimed emperor by his troops following the suppression of a rebellion in Moesia. After defeating and killing Philip near Verona in 249, Decius received senatorial recognition. His reign was characterised by efforts to reinforce the Roman state and traditional religion until his death in 251.

Struck at Rome, this silver antoninianus belonged to a denomination originally introduced by Caracalla in 215 AD and valued at two denarii. The radiate crown worn by the emperor on the obverse indicated a double denomination. By the third century, successive soldier emperors issued antoniniani in part to satisfy military pay and secure the loyalty of the army amid shrinking silver bullion supplies.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan Decius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan Decius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Genius, wearing polos on head, nude except for short cloak on shoulders, standing left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; to right, standard
Obverse legend
IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG
Reverse legend
GENIVS EXERC ILLVRICIANI

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Trajan Decius 16C
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
GENIVS EXERC ILLVRICIANI
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.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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