© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Trajan Decius GENIVS EXERC ILLVRICIANI; Genius
| Silver | 4.4 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Decius (Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius) (249-251) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 249-251 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.4 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#282878 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
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 left, altar; behind altar, standard.
Script: Latin
Lettering: GENIVS EXERC ILLVRICIANI
Translation:
Genius Exercitus Illuriciani.
To the genius (guardian spirit) of the Illyrian army.
Comment
Example of this type:American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Genius, who represents the spirit of the Roman people and the power of the Roman state. The coin's design was meant to convey the idea that the Roman Empire was a powerful and divine institution, and that the emperor, Trajan Decius, was a wise and divinely appointed leader. The coin's image of Genius is particularly notable because it was a common motif in Roman art and propaganda, and it symbolized the idea that the Roman Empire was a force for good and civilization in the world.
