Trajan Descius - Dacia Reverse

I don't own one of these but I hope to before the year is out.

Here is a selection from Vcoins. The reverse is described as Dacia holding a standard or staff, topped by an ass's head.

https://www.vcoins.com/en/Search.as...cords=100&SearchOnSale=False&Unassigned=False

What would be the point of an "ass's head"? Would this have mocked the Dacians?

RIC 12b according to Wildwinds has the reverse description as..."DACIA, Dacia standing left, holding draco standard or vertical staff surmounted by ass's head."

I am more inclined to think that it is actually a draco on top of the standard.


Anyone want to comment?

 

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From the image I would have to agree. That's a Draco standard.


TRAJAN DECIUS
AR Antoninianus
OBVERSE: IMP C M Q TRAIANUS DECIVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
REVERSE: DACIA, Dacia standing left, holding draco standard or vertical staff surmounted by ass's head
Struck at Rome, 249 AD
4.39g, 22mm
RIC 12b
Ex CNG eAuction 328, Lot 761
Ex. Seaby with handwritten envelope and tag

 

Its a good type to own. I just have this, which I like better.


Trajan Decius (249 - 251 A.D.)
AR Antoninianus
O: IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG; radiate, draped & cuirassed bust right.
R: PANNONIAE; the two Pannoniae, veiled, standing right and left facing one another, clasping right hands in front of standard between them.
Rome Mint, 251 A.D.
22mm
3.2g
RIC IV Rome 26

 

This one from Vcoins definitely does not look like an ass.
https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/ne...an_decius_ar_antoninianus/390076/Default.aspx

 

Nice Trajan Decius coins...

Whenever I see that Emperors coins, I think back to Triton I auction. I had saved up a wad of $ cutting lawns all Summer. So, when CNG sent me that catalogue, I was all gungho on getting my first Roman coin. I picked from auction catalogue, you guessed it a FDC Trajan Decius Aureus (reverse shows him riding horse) I ended up winning it for back then $4500US. I ended up never getting that prize...since it disappeared. Till this day that coin is MIA. Someday, I hope to get another, bad luck cannot strike twice! First have to trim a bunch of cedar hedges!

 

I hope you got your money back......

 

Yeah! CNG was good about it. I told them to keep on acct. for Triton II. When that auction came up, I was successfull and got that FDC Elagalabus Aureus!
Apparently, it seems this sort of thing happens all to often.

John

 

My Draco is a different style but we can't expect every die to match. I'll also show a DACIA FELIX where the figure is holding a standard of the standard style.

 

Good luck hunting a Trajan Decius, Pish

=> I only have this baby ... an extremely sweet Tet (it's like a lil' hockey puck)

 

Good baby to have, beautifull reverse! Too bad the Aurei did not use it.

 

I'm missing that particular type as well @Pishpash although I'm about to pick up this curious example on a extra-wide flan; Antoninianus, Rome Mint, Emperor on horse reverse:

 

Stupid question from a novice...what is difference between AR Denarius AR Antoninius? I just about to collect these guys.

 

Denomination. Denarius was first, then Caracalla introduced the Antoninius, which was suppose to be worth 2 Denarii but had 1 1/2 worth of silver in it. Eventually the Antoninius replaced the denarius and the silver content declined from the Antoninius to just bronze.

 

Thanks Mat. That explains it fully. I seen some auctions where they listed denarius for Severus Alexander/others Antoninius for Marcus Aurelius! Now, I see where the transistion took place. Also explains why ones minted under Tacitus/Florianus/Posthumus did not look like earlier ones issued by Balbinus/Philip/Pupienius...

 

I've only got one Trajan Decius, and its a pretty common Abundatia reverse
4.2 grams, 22 millimeters.

 

Good luck @Pishpash on getting your example in 2016
Bad luck @panzerman on loosing your's. But I think you recovered quite well from the loss since, with all the marvels you've successfully won.

Following are an antoninianus with a somehow clear ass's head (anything better than a fart face), and a sestertiuswith a regular standard


Trajan Decius, Antoninianus Rome mint, AD 250-251
IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind
DACIA, Dacia standing left holding a standard surmounted by an ass's head
3.52 gr - 20/23 mm
Ref : RCV # 9368, RSC # 16, RIC IV-3 # 12b
Ex Auctiones.ch



Trajan Decius, Sestertius Rome mint, AD 251
IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right
DACIA, Dacia standing left, holding roman standard, S|C in field
20,98 gr
Cohen # 28, RCV # 9400

Q

 

Nice coins Q, not convinced it is an ass's head though.

 

Ditto

 

Really nice examples, distinctive portrait of emperor....

 

In the post
The obverse is a little worn but the price reflects this

Possible nice toning going on which is a bonus.