Denarius - Trajan Decius GENIVS EXERC ILLVRICIANI; Genius
| Silver | - | - |
| 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 | Denarius (½) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#282855 |
|---|---|
| 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
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Denarius - Trajan Decius coin is that it features the first known depiction of a Roman Emperor with a beard. Trajan Decius, who ruled from 249 to 251 AD, was known for his military campaigns and his efforts to restore the Roman Empire's power and prestige, and his beard was seen as a symbol of his strength and authority. This coin, which was minted during his reign, shows him with a distinctive beard, which was a departure from the traditional clean-shaven image of Roman Emperors. This coin is considered a rare and valuable artifact, and it provides a unique insight into the cultural and historical context of the Roman Empire during the 3rd century AD.