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Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius
"Dacian Draco" was a military standard used by the ancient Dacians, and it can be seen in the hands of Decebal’s soldiers in several scenes depicted on Trajan's Column in Rome. This wind instrument takes the form of a dragon with open wolf-like jaws containing several metal tongues. The head of the hollow dragon was mounted on a pole, with a fabric tube attached to the back. When in use, the Draco was held aloft over the rider's head, where it filled with air and appeared alive, producing a piercing sound as the wind passed through the strips of material. The Dacian Draco likely influenced the development of a similar Roman standard.
Denomination: Antoninianus, Ag
Obverse: Radiate and cuirassed bust of Trajan Decius to right, seen from behind, IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG
Reverse: Dacia standing front, head to left, holding staff surmounted by the head of a donkey with her right hand, DACIA
Mint: Rome, 250/251 A.D.
Weight: 3,20 g
Diameter: 22mm
Provenance: Bucephalus Numismatic
Reference : 38.2 RIC IV 12b, RSC 16
Collection : IMPERIUM ROMANUM 05 - Military Anarchy p.1