250-251 AD. Rome mint. Obv: IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG legend with radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: PANNONIAE legend with the two Pannoniae standing side by side, heads turned away from each other, the left raising right hand and standard to her left, the right raising right hand, holding standard. RIC 21b; RSC 81; Sear 9378.3.80 grams. ("). From the private collection of a retired Suffolk gentleman. Achieving military success against Gothic invaders, Decius was proclaimed emperor by his troops, although history has it that he was reluctant to accept the position. He advanced against Philip's forces in Italy in 249 AD, which he defeated, and was confirmed by the senate the following month. Through the twenty-one months of Trajan's reign he displayed great respect for Rome's imperial past and a desire to restore the old virtues which had made the empire great. Then, in a confrontation with barbarian invaders, Trajan became the first emperor in the history of Rome to fall in combat against a foreign enemy. His coinage is of considerable interest. [No Reserve]