MS 249AD Roman TRAJAN DECIUS Ancient Antioch TETRADRACHM

SYRIA. Antioch. Trajan Decius (AD 249-251). BI tetradrachm (26mm, 1h). NGC MS. 2nd issue, 2nd officina, AD 250-251. AYT K Γ MЄ KY ΔЄKIOC TPAIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Trajan Decius right, seen from behind; •• below / ΔHMAPX ЄΞOYCIAC, eagle standing left on palm, head left, wreath in beak, tail right, wings spread; S C below. Prieur 524.

Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius (c. 201 – June 251), sometimes translated as Trajan Decius, was Roman emperor from 249 to 251.

A distinguished politician during the reign of Philip the Arab, Decius was proclaimed emperor by his troops after putting down a rebellion in Moesia. In 249, he defeated and killed Philip near Verona and was recognized as emperor by the Senate afterwards. During his reign, he attempted to strengthen the Roman state and its religion, leading to the Decian persecution, where a number of prominent Christians (including Pope Fabian) were put to death.

In the last year of his reign, Decius co-ruled with his son Herennius Etruscus, until they were both killed by the Goths in the Battle of Abritus.