250 AD. Rome mint. Obv: IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG legend with radiate and cuirassed bust right. Rev: VICTORIA AVG legend with Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 29c; Sear 9387. 3.92 grams. ("). Achieving military success against Gothic invaders, Decius was proclaimed emperor by his troops, although history has it that he was reluctant to accept the position. He advanced against Philip's forces in Italy in 249 AD, which he defeated, and was confirmed by the senate the following month. Through the twenty-one months of Trajan's reign he displayed great respect for Rome's imperial past and a desire to restore the old virtues which had made the empire great. Then, in a confrontation with barbarian invaders, Trajan became the first emperor in the history of Rome to fall in combat against a foreign enemy. [No Reserve]

Extremely fine with a softer reverse.