Ave!

Herennia Etruscilla, AR Antoninianus, Pudicitia, Pierced!

Herennia Etruscilla was the wife of Trajan Decius. Mint of Rome ca. 250-251 AD

Silver; 26mm/5.2gm

Con/ Pierced to be worn as a necklace pendent, otherwise, Good Fine. Bright with near mint luster, near complete legends, and a haunting portrait of the ill-fated empress.

Obv/ HER ETRVSCILLA AVG; diademed, draped bust right on crescent.

Rev/ PVDICITIA AVG; Pudicitia standing left holding scepter and drawing veil from her face.

Ref/ RSC 17, RIC Vol Vc, 58b.

Seller's Note/ Pudicitia, modesty and chastity, was for Romans the highest regarded female virtue. For an unmarried girl, pudicitia meant virginity. For a wife, it meant faithfulness and devotion to her husband. Romans loved the story of Arria, an ultimate example of Roman pudicitia. When the emperor Claudius ordered her husband Paetus to end his own life, he hesitated. Arria took his dagger and stabbed herself to set an example, saying, 'Paetus, it doesn't hurt.'

Upon purchase, let us know if you wish your empress to wear this issue, and Sheri will add a jump ring for you!