RIC IV Trajan Decius 1B
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC IV Trajan Decius 1B. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Trajan Decius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Trajan Decius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG.
The reverse shows trajan Decius, in military attire, on horse prancing left, raising right hand and holding short sceptre in left hand, with the legend ADVENTVS AVG.
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 ruled as Roman emperor from 249 to 251. Formerly a politician under Philip the Arab, he was proclaimed emperor by his troops after suppressing a rebellion in Moesia. After defeating and killing Philip near Verona in 249, Decius was recognised as emperor by the Senate. During his reign, he sought to strengthen the Roman state and its religion before he was killed by the Goths in 251.
Produced at the mint of Rome, this silver coin is an antoninianus, a denomination introduced under Caracalla and thought to have been valued at two denarii. Characterised by the radiate bust that indicated a double denomination, antoniniani were issued during a period when emperors needed coin to pay their troops and secure their loyalty. The obverse bears the emperor's portrait with the inscription "IMP TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG", whilst the reverse features the legend "ADVENTVS AVG" accompanied by an image of Decius in military attire on a prancing horse.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Denomination
- Antoninianus
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Trajan Decius
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Trajan Decius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
- Reverse
- Trajan Decius, in military attire, on horse prancing left, raising right hand and holding short sceptre in left hand
- Obverse legend
- IMP TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG
- Reverse legend
- ADVENTVS AVG
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC IV Trajan Decius 1B
- Denomination and metal
- Antoninianus, Silver
- Obverse legend to match
- IMP TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- ADVENTVS AVG
- 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
- RIC / OCREric.4.tr_d.1B
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.