Trajan Decius Silver Antoninianus RIC IV # 16c VF

Trajan Decius was a Roman emperor who rose to power after being proclaimed by his troops in Illyricum, a region near modern-day Serbia. This coin’s reverse pays tribute to the Illyrian army that helped elevate him to the throne, a rare & personal nod to military loyalty in Roman coinage.

Trajan Decius Antoninianus – Genius of the Illyrian Army | RIC IV 16c | Rome Mint

Offered here is a historically significant silver Antoninianus struck under Emperor Trajan Decius between A.D. 249–251. This coin honors the Genius of the Illyrian Army, the very force that elevated Decius to imperial power—a rare & personal tribute in Roman numismatics.

The obverse features a radiate, draped, & cuirassed bust of Trajan Decius, with the imperial legend IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG. On the reverse, the Genius stands left, wearing a polos & holding a patera & cornucopiae, with a military standard to the right—symbolizing abundance & loyalty.

Obverse: Moderate wear, but portrait details (radiate crown, facial features) are still visible. Legends are partially legible.

Reverse: Genius figure is identifiable, though some finer details are worn. Standard & cornucopiae are distinguishable.

Strike: Centered & even.

Surface: No major corrosion or cracks; typical toning.

Estimated Grade: VF (Very Fine) This grade reflects moderate circulation with visible major details & partial legends.