Silver Double-Denarius, Ancient Rome
Ruler: Trajan Decius - Emperor 249 – 251 AD
Obv: Radiate bust of Decius, right
Rev: VICTORIA AVG, Victory advancing left, with wreath and palm
Mint: Rome, struck 249 AD
Sear-R9386, 22mm, 4.12 gm
Trajan Decius was Roman Emperor from 249 to 251. In the last year of his reign, he co-ruled with his son Herennius Etruscus until they were both killed by Goths in the Battle of Abritus.
Decius' political program was focused on the restoration of the strength of the State, both militarily opposing the external threats, and restoring the public piety with a program of renovation of the State religion.
During his reign, he proceeded with several building projects in Rome, "including the Thermae Decianae or Baths of Decius on the Aventine", which was completed in 252 and survived through to the 16th century; Decius also repaired the Colosseum, which had been damaged by lightning strikes.
