© Münzkabinett - Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-SA 4.0)
© Münzkabinett - Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Denarius IMP CAES TRAIAN AVG GER DAC P P REST C MAMIL LIME TAN; Mercury, Odysseus, and Argos
| Silver | 3.1 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Traianus) (98-117) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 98-117 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.1 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#253765 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Odysseus walking right to meet his pet Argos.
Lettering: IMP CAES TRAIAN AVG GER DAC P P REST C MAMIL LIME TAN
Unabridged legend: Imperator Caesar Traianus Augustus Germanicus Dacicus, Pater Patriae, Restituit, Caius Mamilius Limetanus.
Translation: Supreme commander, Caesar, Trajan, emperor, conqueror of the Germans, conqueror of the Dacians, father of the nation, has restored [this coin], Gaius Mamilius Limetanus.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.07–3.22 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique combination of Roman and Greek mythological figures. The obverse side of the coin depicts the Roman emperor Trajan, while the reverse side features Mercury, the messenger of the gods, along with Odysseus and his loyal dog Argos, who appear in Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey." This blending of mythological and historical figures on a single coin is a fascinating example of the cultural exchange and syncretism that occurred during the Roman Empire.
