Aureus - Trajan Decius GENIVS EXERCITVS ILLVRICIANI; Genius
| Gold | - | - |
| 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 |
| Numista | N#282998 |
|---|---|
| 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 EXERCITVS 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 the Aureus - Trajan Decius coin is that it features the first known depiction of a Roman legionary on a coin. The reverse side of the coin shows the Genius of the Roman army, standing between two legionaries, holding a shield and a spear. This design was a departure from the traditional depiction of Roman coins, which usually featured gods, goddesses, or other mythological figures. The inclusion of a legionary on the coin highlights the importance of the Roman military during the reign of Trajan Decius and reflects the growing power and influence of the Roman army during this time.