Antoninian of Trajan Decius (AD 249–251), struck at the Rome mint, belongs to issues of his reign in which particular emphasis was placed on communicating economic stability and the assurance of prosperity amid growing military and administrative pressures.
The obverse presents a radiate bust of the emperor facing right, with the legend IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, giving his full titulature as imperator and augustus. The radiate crown denotes the antoninianus denomination, which in the mid-3rd century functioned as the principal silver coin in circulation despite its progressively reduced silver content.
The reverse depicts Uberitas standing left, holding a cornucopia and a purse, with the legend VBERITAS AVG. Uberitas, as the personification of fertility and abundance, was part of the standard repertoire of imperial propaganda, especially in relation to the continuity of supply and the economic well-being of the state.
The combination of the cornucopia symbolizing plenty with the purse, referring directly to financial resources, forms a clear ideological message emphasizing prosperity under imperial authority. Issues bearing the legend VBERITAS AVG are well attested in the coinage of the mid-3rd century and underline the emperor’s role as guarantor of economic stability.
Roman Imperial
Traian Decius (249-251), Antoninianus, Rome mint
Obverse: radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG
Reverse: Uberitas standing left, holding purse and cornucopiae
VBERITAS AVG
Diameter 22 mm, weight 4.09 g
