Trajan Decius, 249-251. Antoninianus (Silver, 22 mm, 3.97 g, 6 h), Rome or Mediolanum, summer 251. IMP CAE TRA DECIVS AVG Radiate and cuirassed bust of Trajan Decius to right, seen from behind. Rev. VICTORIA GERMANICA Trajan Decius on horseback left, rising his right hand in salute and holding long scepter in left hand, preceded by Victory hurrying left, holding wreath in her right hand and palm over her left shoulder. Cohen 122. RIC 43 corr. (obverse legend). Very rare. Struck from a somewhat worn obverse die and with a flan crack, otherwise, good very fine.


This very rare issue commemorates one of Decius' victories against the Goths on the Balkans. He and his son Herennius Etruscus were, however, defeated and killed by the Goths near Philippopolis soon thereafter and thus became the first Roman Emperors to be killed in battle by barbarian invaders.