Numismatic

Roman Empire AE Sestertius Trajan Decius (249-251) VF NGC RIC-105

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During the turbulent middle of the third century, the Roman Empire projected its power and political messages through the medium of circulating coinage. This copper sestertius, minted in Rome between 249 AD and 251 AD, represents the brief rule of Emperor Trajan Decius. Certified in Very Fine condition, the heavy bronze-alloy coin serves as a fascinating artifact of imperial communication. The obverse features a right-facing bust of the emperor wearing a laurel wreath, draped and armored in military attire. The surrounding Latin inscription reads IMP CAES C MESS Q DECIO TRAI AVG, identifying the ruler. This portraiture emphasizes the traditional military authority expected of a Roman leader during this era. On the reverse, the coin honors the military forces that supported his rise to power. It depicts the Genius of the Army of Illyricum standing and facing left, holding a shallow offering dish known as a patera along with a horn of plenty, or cornucopia. A military standard stands to the right of the figure, while the large letters S and C appear across the field, signifying the decree of the Senate. The accompanying legend reads GENIVS EXERCITVS ILLVRICIANI, a direct tribute to the spirit of the Illyrian legions.