Trebonianus Gallus AD 251-253 Silver Antoninianus Rome

Trebonianus Gallus AD 251-253 Silver Antoninianus

Radiate bust right / Juno seated with corn ears and transverse sceptre

Rome

RCV9631; 22mm, 3.68g

This coin comes with previous label

Trebonianus Gallus was born around AD 206 to an Etruscan family although little is known of his early life. After entering the Senate he held a consulship during the reign of Philip I. Appointed governor of Moesia by Trajan Decius it was rumoured that he contributed to the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Abrittus by failing to bring up reinforcements in time. Trebonianus was nevertheless proclaimed co emperor along with Hostilian upon the death of Trajan Decius.
A peace was concluded with the Goths however this was highly unfavourable to Rome. His brief reign was beset with misfortune. Shortly after concluding a peace Rome was ravaged by plague, one of the victims being the co emperor Hostilian. The eastern provinces were then invaded by the Sasanid Persians under Shapur I. Syria was plundered and Antioch was captured. Trebonianus appeared incapable of action so when Aemilian, the governor of Moesia inflicted a defeat on the Goths he was immediately proclaimed emperor by his troops. Meanwhile when the respected general Valerian was summoned from the Rhine the army turned on and murdered both Trebonianus Gallus and his son Volusian.