Trajan Decius (249-251). Seleucis and Pieria, Antioch. AR Tetradrachm

Trajan Decius (AD 249–251)

Seleucis and Pieria, Antioch

AR Tetradrachm, AD 250–251

25.5 mm, 11.53g

Obverse: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Trajan Decius right, seen from behind; two pellets below.

Reverse: Eagle standing right on palm branch, holding wreath in beak.

Struck at the important eastern mint of Antioch during the reign of Trajan Decius, this silver tetradrachm belongs to the final phase of Roman provincial silver coinage in Syria. The powerful eagle reverse—long associated with Antiochene issues—symbolizes imperial authority and continuity amid the instability of the mid-3rd century.

References: McAlee 1125b; Prieur 579; RPC IX 1708.