Aureus - Trajan Decius (GENIUS EXERC ILLVRICIANI; Genius) (249-251) front Aureus - Trajan Decius (GENIUS EXERC ILLVRICIANI; Genius) (249-251) back
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Aureus - Trajan Decius GENIUS EXERC ILLVRICIANI; Genius

 
Gold - -
Description
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
Aureus (25⁄2)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Gold
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#282984
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 right, 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:
Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Aureus - Trajan Decius coin is that it features the image of the Roman goddess Victory (Victoria) on the reverse side, which was a common motif in Roman coinage during the imperial period. The image of Victory was used to symbolize the power and triumph of the Roman Empire, and it was often depicted holding a wreath or a palm branch, as seen on this coin. The use of Victory as a symbol of Roman power and success can be traced back to the early days of the Roman Republic, and it continued to be used throughout the imperial period, becoming a hallmark of Roman coinage.