© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Trajan P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R VOTA SVSCEPTA; Genius
| Gold | 7.2 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Traianus) (98-117) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 114-117 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.2 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#253306 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Senator standing right, left, holding sceptre and sacrificing over altar, facing Genius, standing left, right, holding cornucopiae.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R VOTA SVSCEPTA
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Sextum, Pater Patriae, Senatus Populusque Romanus, VOTA SVSCEPTA
High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul for the sixth time, father of the nation, The senate and the Roman people, VOTA SVSCEPTA
Comment
Mass varies: 7.166–7.26 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus - Trajan coin is that it features a unique reverse design, depicting the personification of the Roman Empire, known as the "Genius," who is shown standing and holding a scepter and a patera, a ritual vessel used for libations. This design was a departure from the traditional reverse designs of Roman coins, which typically featured images of gods, goddesses, or other mythological figures. The use of the Genius on the reverse of the Aureus - Trajan coin reflects the importance of the Roman Empire and its rulers during this time period.
