249-253 AD:  Four Bad Years 

04/27/08

These four years mark a low point in Roman History.  Civil war, barbarian invasion, and plague created unprecedented problems.  The coins of this period are particularly interesting because they are one of our best sources of information from a time from which few contemporary writings survive.  Each emperor chose a different political identity in an attempt to restore the empire.  Decius honored Roman traditional virtue, the good emperors, and the army.  Gallus portrayed himself as a fair and benevolent ruler who sought to bring peace to the land.  Aemilian based his claim to power on his military victory.  I welcome you to read my paper which goes into much greater  depth on the topic.

Note:  All coins are kept in a safe deposit box at the bank