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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Trajan Decius 8

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Trajan Decius 8. 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 virtus, helmeted, draped, right breast exposed, seated left on cuirass, holding branch in right hand and vertical spear in left hand, with the legend VIRTVS 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, having served as a politician under Philip the Arab. After suppressing a rebellion in Moesia, his soldiers proclaimed him emperor. In 249, Decius defeated and killed Philip near Verona and gained recognition from the Senate. During his reign, he sought to strengthen the Roman state and its religion, until he and his son were killed fighting the Goths in 251.

Struck at Rome, this silver antoninianus was a denomination introduced by Caracalla in 215 and thought to have been valued at two denarii. The radiate crown worn by the emperor indicated this double denomination. Introduced amid ongoing debasement, antoniniani were produced during a period when emperors required coinage to pay soldiers and maintain their loyalty. The coin bears the obverse legend IMP TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, while the reverse depicts Virtus seated on a cuirass beside the inscription VIRTVS AVG.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan Decius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan Decius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Virtus, helmeted, draped, right breast exposed, seated left on cuirass, holding branch in right hand and vertical spear in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG
Reverse legend
VIRTVS AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Trajan Decius 8
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVS 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

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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