Herennia Etruscilla (AD 249–253) Roman Empire AR Double-Denarius NGC VF

Herennia Etruscilla — Augusta During the Reign of Trajan Decius

This silver double-denarius represents Herennia Etruscilla, wife of Trajan Decius and mother of Herennius Etruscus and Hostilian.

Coin Details

• Ruler: Herennia Etruscilla
• Reign and issue period: Augusta AD 249–253
• Empire/region: Roman Empire
• Denomination: Double-denarius (antoninianus)
• Composition: AR (silver)
• NGC grade: VF — Very Fine
• Sheldon-scale equivalent: 20–25
• Quantity supplied: One encapsulated coin

The Sheldon-scale number is an equivalent associated with the stated ancient-coin grade; it is not a separate numerical grade assigned to the coin.

Herennia Etruscilla — Dynasty in a Time of War and Epidemic

Herennia Etruscilla received the title Augusta after her husband Trajan Decius became emperor in AD 249. Their sons were elevated within the imperial hierarchy, presenting the family as a stable dynasty during the third-century crisis.

Decius and Herennius Etruscus died fighting the Goths in AD 251, while Hostilian died soon afterward, probably during an epidemic. Herennia’s later life is poorly documented, making her coinage an especially important record of her public role.

What the Coin Tells Us

The radiate antoninianus, often called a double-denarius, had become a major silver denomination by the mid-third century. Its prominent portrait and broad reverse field made it useful for communicating dynastic and religious themes.

Issues for Herennia emphasized the recognized position of an Augusta and the hoped-for continuity of the Decian household. Their survival contrasts with the dynasty’s abrupt collapse.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one silver double-denarius of Herennia Etruscilla in an NGC Ancients holder, graded VF (Very Fine). A specific mint, issue year, reverse design, inscription, weight or diameter is not promised unless expressly stated above.

Stock-photo notice: The photographs are representative of the product offering. The coin supplied may differ from the pictured example in portrait style, reverse design, inscriptions, centering, toning, surface appearance and other individual characteristics while remaining within the stated coin type and any expressly stated grade.