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The youthful portrait of Quintus Herennius Etruscus Messius Decius (ca. 227 – 251 AD), elder son of Augustus Trajan Decius, adorns the obverse of this remarkably well-preserved tetradrachm struck in Antioch, capital of the Roman province of Syria. At the time, Herennius served as Caesar as confirmed by his bareheaded and draped bust; the absence of a laurel wreath, typically associated with Emperors, reinforces his status as heir at the time of striking. Further reinforcement is provided by the encircling epithet, EPENN ETPOY ME KV DEKIOC KECAP, denoting Herennius Etruscus Messius Quintus Decius Caesar.
The coin’s revere features a typical motif for Antioch’s tetradrachmae: an eagle on a palm frond, displaying its wings and holding a wreath aloft in its beak. This imagery is rich with meaning. The eagle, the bird of Jupiter and symbol of Rome’s legions, embodies imperial power, authority, and reach. The palm frond often symbolized victory, particularly in the East, and could allude to anticipated Roman successes in the region or elsewhere along Rome’s borders. The legend DHMARX EX OVCIAC translates to "Holder of Tribunician Power," a significant political and civic authority granted to Roman emperors and, in this case, shared with the designated heir. Finally, the letters "SC" (denoting
senatus consulto) in exergue indicate that the coin was struck by the authority of Rome’s Senate.
This coin was produced between 249 and very early 251 AD. After that, Herennius was promoted to co-Augustus, having been deemed ready to fully share with his father the responsibility of ruling the Roman Empire. Indeed, Decius desperately needed the help. In addition to pesky internal rebellions, Rome faced some formidable external enemies threatening their borders, particularly the Persians in the far east and the Goths along the northern Danube. As if things couldn’t get any worse, a horrible plague spread through Rome. In an attempt to find a scapegoat, Decius turned his attention to improving Roman piety and returning to traditional values. This led to renewed maltreatment of Christians, although there is no evidence to support Herennius’ involvement in any of the persecutions.
Regarding Herennius' role in fighting alongside his father, the surviving evidence is ample, albeit tragic. According to
De Caesaribus (Concerning the Caesars) written several decades afterwards by the ancient Roman historian and politician Aurelius Victor, Herennius was killed by a well-aimed enemy arrow even before he could join forces with his father in the fateful Battle of Abritus against Gothic King Cniva. With no time to grieve, Decius acted as if the loss of his son was of no matter. Acting with haste, Decius fell into a trap set the cunning Cniva that completely negated the Roman's superior training and weaponry. Decius' forces were overwhelmed. Shockingly, the Emperor himself was among those killed.
The defeat was a complete catastrophe for Rome. The legions’ decimation emboldened barbarian tribes to increase their incursions into imperial territories for decades to come. Moreover, the co-Emperors’ deaths led to even further political instability at home. Finally, adding to the ignominy, it was the first time that any Roman Emperor was killed at the hands of an external enemy.
Coin Details: SYRIA, Antioch, Herennius Etruscus, As Caesar, AD 249-251, Billon Tetradrachm (26mm, 13.88 g, 12h), Struck under Trajan Decius, NGC Grade: Ch MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Bareheaded and draped bust right, EPENN ETPOY ME KV DEKIOC KECAP, Reverse: Eagle standing right on palm frond, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak, DHMARX EX OVCIAC, SC in exergue, References: McAlee 1152; Prieur 627.
Image: Sony ɑ 7R Ⅴ camera / Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens.