© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
As - Trajan P M TR P COS III P P; Mercury
| Bronze | 26.5 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Traianus) (98-117) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 101-102 |
| Value | As = 1⁄16 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 26.5 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#253373 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mercury standing left, holding purse and caduceus.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P COS III P P
Unabridged legend: Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae.
Translation: High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul for the third time, father of the nation.
Comment
RIC shows the obverse legend ending P M, but this is not on the cited coin in Cohen.
RIC lists the denomination as “as(?)” with a note that it is uncertain. The weight is high and the Bibliothèque nationale de France list the cited coin as a medallion.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman god Mercury on its reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Trajan. Mercury was the messenger god and was often depicted with wings on his sandals and a caduceus, a staff with two intertwined snakes. The inclusion of Mercury on this coin may have been a nod to Trajan's reputation as a skilled military leader and strategist, as Mercury was also associated with travel, commerce, and communication.
