© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI
| Gold | 7.1 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Traianus) (98-117) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 103-111 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.1 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#253107 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Trajan standing in quadriga left, holding branch and sceptre.
Script: Latin
Lettering: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI
Unabridged legend: Senatus Populusque Romanus Optimo Principi
Translation: The senate and the Roman people to the best of princes
Comment
Mass varies: 7.01–7.26 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI) coin is that it features a portrait of Emperor Trajan on the obverse (front side), which was a common practice in Roman coinage to display the image of the ruling emperor. This coin, in particular, was minted during Trajan's reign from 103 to 111 AD, a time when the Roman Empire was at the height of its power and influence. The coin's reverse (back side) features the image of a personification of the Roman Senate, represented by a figure holding a scepter and a shield, symbolizing the Senate's authority and power. This design was a common motif in Roman coinage and served as a visual representation of the Roman state's ideals and values.
