Trajan Decius Roman Silver Antoninianus (NGC Certified Slab)

Own a certified Roman Silver Antoninianus of Trajan Decius (AD 249–251), authenticated and slabbed by NGC. This historic coin comes from the early wave of the "Barracks Emperors," as Rome's military increasingly controlled imperial succession.

Decius, originally from the region of modern-day Serbia, was a distinguished senator who had served as consul, governor, and urban prefect of Rome. His political and military experience made him a strong candidate for leadership during a time when stability was desperately needed. In 249 AD, while leading troops against a revolt on the Danube frontier, he was proclaimed emperor by his soldiers.

Philip the Arab, the reigning emperor, marched against Decius but was defeated and killed. As emperor, Decius sought to restore Roman traditions and strengthen imperial authority. He is perhaps best remembered for initiating a wide-reaching persecution of Christians — one of the first empire-wide efforts to revive traditional Roman religion.

Decius’ reign was short-lived. In 251 AD, he faced a massive Gothic invasion and died fighting at the Battle of Abritus, along with his son, Herennius Etruscus — the first time a Roman emperor died in battle against a foreign enemy.

Silver Antoninianii of Trajan Decius typically feature his radiate-crowned portrait on the obverse, symbolizing imperial divinity, while the reverses emphasize Rome’s strength, military virtues, or religious revival.

Certified by NGC, this Silver Antoninianus offers collectors a poignant artifact from Rome’s struggle to hold itself together during the Third Century Crisis — a key piece for any serious Roman collection.