Herennia Etruscilla Roman Silver Denarius (NGC Certified Slab)

Own a certified Roman Silver Denarius of Herennia Etruscilla (circa AD 249–251), authenticated and slabbed by NGC. This coin offers a rare glimpse into the life of an empress during one of Rome’s most unstable eras.

Herennia Etruscilla, likely from an old senatorial family, became Augusta when her husband, Trajan Decius, ascended the throne in 249 CE. As empress, she held an important symbolic role, representing the continuity and stability of the imperial family during a time of civil war, foreign invasions, and political upheaval.

Following the death of Decius and their elder son Herennius Etruscus at the disastrous Battle of Abritus in 251 CE, Herennia briefly served as regent for her surviving son, Hostilian. Although little is recorded about her regency, her continued prominence after her husband’s death suggests she played an important role in the effort to maintain legitimacy during the empire’s ongoing crises.

Silver Denarii of Herennia Etruscilla typically feature her elegant, diademed or veiled portrait on the obverse, with reverses depicting traditional Roman virtues such as Pudicitia (modesty) or Concordia (harmony) — ideals particularly valued during uncertain times.

Certified by NGC, this Silver Denarius offers collectors a connection to the powerful yet often overlooked women who supported Rome’s imperial system during its most fragile periods. A fine addition for anyone focused on Roman empresses, dynastic transitions, or the challenges of the Third Century Crisis.