Coin Information: Tantalus S/N 30684
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| Coin type: | Roman Provincial |
| Entered by: | scottatlaw |
| Added on: | Apr 10, 2008 |
| Ruler: | Trajan Decius (AUGUSTUS) |
| Region, City: | Moesia Superior, Viminacium |
| Coin: | VF- AE Sestertius IMPCAESCMESQDECIVSPFAVG - Laurelate, paludamentum draped over cuirass bust right (viewed from rear). PMSC-OLVIM - Moesia standing (holding branch aloft to the left and bearing a transverse scepter topped with a figure of victory bearing a crown) between advancing bull & lion. |
| Exergue: | ANXI |
| Mint: | (Year 11) |
| Wt./Size/Axis: | 16.14g / 27.75mm / - |
| Rarity: | R6+ |
| References: |
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| Acquisition/Sale: | Kelly Ramage aka flaviamaximafausta www.ebay.com 4-4-2008 |
| Notes: | Apr 16, 08 - Photo courtesy of Kelly Ramage.
This coin is imaged in Jekov as #46, however, due to an attribution error, the way the coin is attributed in entry #46 is inaccurate (the absence of a reverse legend break is wrong). Unlisted in Varbanov. Here is a beautiful example of this relatively hard to come by coin struck for Trajan Decius at the very start of his reign. The green patina is a lovely high gloss that is simply a wonder to behold in hand. The level of detail is stunning if not a tough washed out in the photograph. I have discussed the bust type of this coin and the reverse imagery more fully in the notes of this coin (and the coins linked in its notes): http://www.tantaluscoins.com/coins/28093.php Beyond that discussion, I would point out how this coin's reverse differs from the dupondii version of this reverse type. The dupondii version's scepter is untopped and victory is nowhere to be seen, while in the Sestertii version victory is atop of the scepter and she is depicted extending a laurel crown as if to place it upon Moesia's head. The scepter depicted is not likely a literal artifact, but rather I believe that the use of the scepter and the figure of victory together are functioning as something of a combination between two icons. The scepter is of course indicative of imperial authority (in the personage of the emporer) while the figure of victory of course serves to represent victory (either actual or promised). In light of the fact that this reverse harkens so closely to the PAX AETERNAE reverse type found on Viminacium's Ants. I believe we can conclude that the inclusion of victory in the design is meant to further emphasize the emporer's military role in achieving the "eternal peace". As I have discussed in the notes of other House Decius coins listed here on Tantalus, a major theme of Viminacium coins for House Decius was the emphasis of the family's military prowess as a means of preserving and improving the empire. My thanks again to Kelly Ramage both for the coin and for allowing me the use of his photo. |
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