Numismatic

Roman Empire AE As Trajan Decius (249-251 AD) VF NGC

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This ancient bronze coin, classified as an AE As, dates back to the brief and turbulent reign of Emperor Trajan Decius between 249 and 251 AD. Minted in the historic city of Rome, the piece offers a tangible connection to the mid-third century, a period of significant transition for the Roman Empire. The obverse side of the coin features a right-facing portrait bust of Trajan Decius. On the reverse, the design honors the military forces with a depiction of the Genius of the Army of Illyricum. This figure is shown standing and facing left, holding a patera (a shallow libation bowl) alongside a cornucopia, with a military standard positioned to the right. The letters S and C are inscribed across the reverse field, representing the authority of the Roman Senate. Struck in bronze, this specimen has survived the centuries in a state of preservation graded as Very Fine. It remains an intriguing artifact for those eager to investigate the iconography and imperial messaging of ancient Rome.