Quintus Herennius Etruscus Messius Decius, also known simply as Herennius Etruscus, was appointed Caesar between 250 and 251 C.E., which is the earliest possible date range for the issuing of this coin, which bears the legend describing his appointment, Q(uintus) HER(ennius) ETR(uscus) MES(sius) DECIVS NOB(ilissimus) C(aesar) (Quintus Herennius Etruscus Messius Decius, the most noble Caesar). In 251, he was promoted, and shared the role of emperor with his father, Trajan Decius; Herennius died that same year. On the reverse of this coin is the legend PIETAS AVGVSTORVM (Piety of the Augusti) along with images of a sprinkler, simpulum, jug, and lituus. These images were symbols of the key functions of the four main colleges of religious offices in Rome. These emblems of priesthood on Herennius Etruscus’s coins, together with the reverse legend, marked his entry into the religious life of Rome in an official capacity. The coin itself, an antoninianus, is a denomination that wasn’t introduced until the reign of Caracalla, around 215 C.E. Originally made of silver, later of bronze, the antoninianus was probably equivalent to about two denarii. Deborah Sneed 2011