Roman Imperial
Trebonianus Gallus (251-253), Antoninianus 251-253, Rome mint
Obverse: radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG
Reverse: Pietas standing left, both hands raised
PIETAS AVGG
Diameter 21 mm, weight 4.57 g
Trebonian Gallus was proclaimed emperor by the army when his predecessor Trajan Decius, along with his older son, Herennius Etruscan, died in the Battle of the Goths at Abrittus in late 251. The election was quickly accepted by the Senate, elevating the younger son of Decius Hostilian to Augustus. Hostilian was soon killed by the plague, and the Trebonians with their son Volusian, co-ruler raised to the rank of Augustus after Hostilian's death, ruled only until August 253, when they were killed by their own soldiers.
