Trajan Decius AR Antoninianus Genius of the Illyrian Army

Antoninian of Emperor Trajan Dece, silver coin minted in 250-251 in Rome. Standing army genie holding patera, cornucopia and standard.

GENIVS EXERCITVS ILLVRICIANI → "The Genius of the Illyrian Army"

Trajan Decius was proclaimed emperor by the legions of the Danube, in the region of Illyricum. This coin issue therefore serves to:

• remerciate the soldiers who brought him to power,

• show that his authority rests on these Danubian armies,

• strengthen their loyalty.