Herennius Etruscus (251 AD) ~ BI Tetradrachm ~ NGC About Uncirculated

NGC CERT #: 4246216-013

NGC DESCRIPTION: Herennius Etruscus, AD 251, SYRIA ANTIOCH, BI Tetradrachm

NGC GRADE: About Uncirculated

ABOUT THE COIN:

The tetradrachm was a large silver coin that originated in Ancient Greece. It was nominally equivalent to four drachmae.  Over time the tetradrachm became effectively the standard coin of the Antiquity, spreading well beyond the borders of the Greek World.  Because of their large size, tetradrachms were often used by various states or rulers to advertise themselves or to deliver political messages. Due to their often high artistic level tetradrachms are eagerly collected in modern times, and well-preserved or rare specimens can reach considerable prices.

Quintus Herennius Etruscus Messius Decius was Roman emperor in 251, ruling jointly with his father Decius.  His father was proclaimed emperor by his troops in September 249 while in Pannonia and Moesia, in opposition to Emperor Philip the Arab.  Decius defeated Philip in battle, and was then proclaimed emperor by the Roman Senate.  Herennius Etruscus was elevated to Caesar in 250, then further raised to Augustus in May 251.   When the Goths, under Cniva, invaded the Danubian provinces, Herennius Etruscus was sent with a vanguard, followed by the main body of Roman troops, led by Decius.  They ambushed Cniva at the Battle of Nicopolis ad Istrum in 250, routing him, before being ambushed and routed themselves at the Battle of Beroe.  Herennius Etruscus was killed in the Battle of Abritus the following year, alongside his father.  After the deaths of both emperors, Trebonianus Gallus, who had been governor of Moesia, was elected emperor by the remaining Roman forces.

ABOUT NGC:

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