Ave!

Trajan Decius, Denarius, Genius of the Illyrian Army reverse!

AR; 18mm/2.9gm      Rome mint - struck 249 AD

Con/ good Very Fine; a choice example of this difficult issue, perfectly centered, sharply struck to either side and lustrous. This coin must certainly been lost in the ground not long after being stuck as it shows very little signs of circulation. 

Obv/ IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG; laur. and draped bust right.

Rev/ GENIVS EXERC ILLVRICIANI; Genius of the Illyrian Army, wearing polos on his head, standing left, holding patera and cornucopia; to right, military standard

Ref/ RIC Vol IVc, 16b = Rare 3

Seller's Note/ So, why is Decius praising the Illyrian army on this issue?

Around 245, Philip entrusted Decius with an important command on the Danube. By the end of 248 or 249, Decius was sent to quell the revolt of Pacatian and his troops in Moesia and Pannonia. After the collapse of the revolt, Decius let the troops proclaim him emperor. Philip advanced against him and was killed at Verona, Italy, in September 249. The Senate then recognized Decius as emperor, giving him the attribute Traianus in reference to Emperor Trajan.