© Münzkabinett - Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-SA 4.0)
© Münzkabinett - Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Aureus - Trajan Decius GENIVS EXERC ILLVRICIANI; Genius
| Gold | 4.1 g | 20.5 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 | Aureus (25⁄2) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.1 g |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#282854 |
|---|---|
| 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
Mass varies: 3.46–4.74 g;Diameter varies: 20–21 mm;
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 emperor Trajan Decius, who ruled from 249 to 251 AD, on one side, and the personification of the Roman province of Illyricum, represented by a female figure known as the "Genius," on the other side. This coin was minted during a time of great turmoil in the Roman Empire, marked by constant wars, plagues, and political instability. Despite these challenges, the Roman Empire continued to produce high-quality coins like the Aureus, which were used for trade and commerce throughout the empire.
