Aureus - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI) (112-114) front Aureus - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI) (112-114) back
Aureus - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI) (112-114) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Aureus - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI

 
Gold 7.2 g 20 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Traianus) (98-117)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
112-114
Value
1 Aureus = 25 Denarii
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Gold
Weight
7.2 g
Diameter
20 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#253210
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Aquila flanked by two standards.

Script: Latin

Lettering: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI

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

Comment

Mass varies: 7.02–7.27 g;
Diameter varies: 19–21 mm;
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 112 to 114 AD, a time when the Roman Empire was at its peak, and Trajan was known for his military conquests and extensive public building programs. The coin's reverse (back side) features the image of a Roman eagle, which symbolized the power and authority of the Roman Empire.