AR Antoninianus, A.D. 249-251, Rome, 22mm, 4.76g, 45°, RIC IV 16.
Obv: IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG. Radiate and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: GENIVS EXERC ILLVRICIANI. Genius standing left with patera and cornucopia, standard right.
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Trajan Decius, was Roman Emperor from 249 to 251. Decius was a distinguished senator who had served as consul in 232, and was urban prefect of Rome during the early reign of Emperor Philip the Arab. Around 245, Philip entrusted Decius with an important command on the Danube. By the end of 248, the Army was enraged with Phillip because of the peace treaty he signed with the Sassanids and Decius was forced to assume the Imperial office. Although initially reluctant and proclaiming loayalty to Phillip, he eventually advanced against, and killed Phillip and was officially recognized by the senate as emperor.

During his reign, he constructed several building projects in Rome "including the Thermae Deciane or Baths of Decius on the Aventine which was completed in 252 and still survived through to the 16th century. Decius' political program was focused on the restoration of the strength of the state, opposing external threats, and restoring the public piety with a program of renovation of the state religion. In January 250, Decius issued an edict for the suppression of Christianity and to reaffirm his conservative vision of the Pax Romana. This edict required bishops and church officers to make pagan sacrifices and make oaths to the state of Rome. A number of prominent christians who refused, including Pope Fabian, were executed. However, by the end of Decius' reign the persecution had eased off.

In the last year of his reign, he co-ruled with his son Herennius Etruscus until both of them were killed in the Battle of Abrittus against the Goths.