As - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C; Victory) (103-111) front As - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C; Victory) (103-111) back
As - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C; Victory) (103-111) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

As - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C; Victory

 
Bronze 9.4 g 27 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Traianus) (98-117)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
103-111
Value
As = 1⁄16 Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
9.4 g
Diameter
27 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#253480
Rarity index
95%

Reverse

Victory, draped, stepping left holding palm in left hand and with right hand setting a trophy upright left; trophy has two oblong shields at base (sometimes trophy has no weapons).

Script: Latin

Lettering: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C

Translation:
Senatus Populusque Romanus Optimo Principi. Senatus Consultum.
The senate and the Roman people to the best of princes. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Mass varies: 5.9–11.28 g;
Diameter varies: 24–28 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the image of the Roman goddess Victory (Victoria) on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Trajan. The image of Victory was meant to symbolize the Roman Empire's military prowess and its ability to conquer and dominate other nations. The coin's design also includes the inscription "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C," which stands for "Senatus Populusque Romanus Optimo Principi Senatus Consulto" or "The Senate and People of Rome, by the decision of the Senate," indicating that the coin was issued by the Roman Senate in honor of Trajan.