Trajan Decius : Double (Sestertius) or Nothing

I can't be certain if @dougsmit's Trajan Decius double sestertius was actually the first one I ever saw, but I do know that every time he showed his here, it'd make me green with envy. So, in line with how things work on CT, I'm assigning blame to Doug for this latest pickup.

At only 32.59g, my example is definitely on the light side, but as I recall, Doug's is just about the same weight, so I do feel like I'm in good company. If you've got some double sestertii (Decius or otherwise), please do feel free to show 'em!


TRAJAN DECIUS
AE Double Sestertius. 32.59g, 36.1mm. Rome mint, AD 250. RIC IV 115a; Cohen 39; Banti 9. O: IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. R: FELICITAS SAECVLI, Felicitas standing to left holding long caduceus and cornucopia; S-C across field.
Ex Dr C. Haymes Collection; ex Bruce R. Brace Collection (CNG 90, 23 May 2012, lot 1678)

 

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I like that very, very much, zumbly. A Trajan Decius double sestertius is one of my many, many Dream Coins. Nice style and appealing color - green, the same way I am now green with envy.

 

Wow, speechless!! Amazing!

 

Well done, @zumbly ! Great looking coin, and almost 33g is a chunk of Bronze! Way cool. This is ANOTHER of your cool coins that I covet!

I nary have a one. This is a denomination that I want.

Congrats!
Brian

 

How about one from Postumus?


Postumus, AD 260-269
AE “Double" Sestertius, 33mm, 24.9g, 12h; Colonia Agrippinensis or Treveri mint.
Obv.: IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG; Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev.: LAETITIA AVG (AVG in exergue); Galley left, four rowers and steersman

 

I also have a Postumus double sestertius. Here you go...

Postumus
A.D. 260
Ӕ Double Sestertius, 32mm 24.3 grams
Obverse: L IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMUVS P F AVG; radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: P M TR P COS II PP S C; Emperor in military attire stg. l.; holding globe and spear.
Reference: RIC V Lugdunum 106

 

It is only a hundred times better that mine. I have seen a perfect one over 40g that went for about $100,000. They also come in the Herrenia Etruscilla version. I don't have one.
https://cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=203339

 

Fantastic coin zumbly, great patina and portrait.

 

Why in hell @zumbly should this double sestertius be in Z's collection rather than in Q's ?

It's on my dream list too, as, after I've completed the Divi series, assembling a denomitation set of TD might be a good extension (and I already have an antoninianus, a sestertius and a semis)

Here are my two double sestertii so far (another reason to house your great example here as it wouldn't be alone )


Postumus, Double sestertius - Cologne mint, AD 261
IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG, Radiate bust of Postumus right
LAETITIA AVG, Galley travelling left
18.12 gr
Ref : Cohen #177, RCV #11049



Aurelian and Severina, Double sestertius - Rome mint AD 274-275
IMP AVRELIANVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust of Aurelian right
SEVERINA AVG, diademed and draped bust of Severina right, on crescent
11.18 gr
Ref : Cohen # 1, RIC # 2, RCV # 11696

Note : it's still disputed as to whether the Aurelain & Severina is actually a double sestertius or a dupondius because of its light weight, but I prefer the double sestertius idea

Q

 

While I prefer the double sestertius ID of the two, it might also be a medallion of some sort making the denomination irrelevant. How are we to know. The concept of falling weights for double sestertii is demonstrated by my Postumus double overstruck on a sestertius of Antoninus Pius. The Postumus reverse is the galley but I am less certain about the Pius reverse lurking below. Opinions?

 

Thanks for the kind comments, everyone!

2020 goals, Doug.

Q, your logic is flawless and I cannot argue with it. Sadly, the world is unfair, and for my part, I've made my peace with it... otherwise, I might be tempted to start thinking that the amazing Q Collection of the Trajan Decius 'Divi series' should come join my growing set of Decius coins instead. Love the Aurelian-Severina double sestertius/dupondius/medallion, BTW!

 

This reminds me that I have another acquisition to blame you for. Ever since you mentioned these overstruck double sestertii of Postumus some years ago, I've been keeping an eye out for one. I finally got lucky a couple of months ago. Thanks for always inspiring cool coin purchases!


POSTUMUS
AE Double Sestertius. 21.88g, 32.6mm. Cologne mint, AD 261. RIC 169; Bastien 101-2. O: [IMP C M CASS LAT PO]STVMVS P F AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Postumus to right. R: [VICTORI]A AVG, Victory advancing left, holding wreath in her right hand and palm in her left; captive seated to left before here.
Notes: "This coin was overstruck on a sestertius of Antoninus Pius, with part of the original obverse legend [...NVS AVG P...] and the back of the head of Pius still visible on the obverse."

 

Your coin is just beautiful Zumbly. Decius happens to be one of my favorite emperors. I've had a double sest. on my want list as well, but it still evades me. Congrats on yours!

 

Thanks! I’m sure when you eventually get one for your collection it’ll be spectacular.

 

Cool denomination, @zumbly ! I only have sestertii of Decius. Here's my favorite:

 

Nice one, RC. I have a 'Dacia' sestertius which I was attracted to primarily because of its heavy weight (for the period). At 28.3g, it's actually not too far behind my double sestertius!

TRAJAN DECIUS
AE Sestertius. 28.32g, 32.7mm. Rome mint, AD 249-250. RIC 112a (scarce); Cohen 18. O: IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, laureate, cuirassed bust right. R: DACIA, Dacia standing left holding staff surmounted by a wolf-like head (draco); S-C in field.
Ex Behnen Collection (acquired from Coin Galleries, 24 June 1966)

 

Fair enough !

Q

 

..but you have received the most sincerest form of flattery tho

 

very nice z!....

 

too kool!