Lot 4198
Trajan Decius, AD 249-251. AE Double Sestertius (37.9g) minted at Rome, AD 250. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG. Radiate and cuirassed bust of Trajan Decius right, with slightly draped left shoulder. Reverse: FELICITAS SAECVLI. Felicitas (Happiness) standing left, holding long caduceus in right hand, cornucopiae in left; in fields, S C. Sear 9395; RIC 115; Cohen 40; Kent-Hirmer 462 var; Hunter 44. Area of light obverse tooling and a small spot of reverse corrosion. Medallic in appearance with a fine reddish brown patina. A fabulous specimen. Extremely Fine.
The mid-third century ruler Trajan Decius had the dubious distinction of being the first Roman emperor to fall in battle against a foreign enemy (the Goths). During his brief reign (AD 249-251) Decius found time to give attention to the Imperial coinage which was undergoing a rapid debasement. His two most remarkable innovations were the introductions of a medallic double sestertius and a small bronze coin which is usually described as a semis, though this denomination had not been produced since Hadrianic times. The double sestertius was issued also in the name of his wife Herennia Etruscilla, though most surviving specimens are of the emperor himself. There are three reverse types, Felicitas, Victory and a Liberalitas scene with the emperor and his elder son Herennius Etruscus. The denomination was abandoned by Decius' successor Trebonianus Gallus, though the Gallic usurper Postumus revived it for a while.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 13,000.
The Hunter Collection; Ex Superior Stamp & Coin NYINC Auction, December 8-9, 1995, lot 984; The Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection, Sotheby's, June 19-20, 1991, Lot 865.
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| Realized $10,638 |
