© Museu de Prehistòria de València
© Museu de Prehistòria de València
Denarius - Trajan COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC; Mars and Victory
| Silver | 3.2 g | 18.5 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 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.2 g |
| Diameter | 18.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#253002 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, in military dress, advancing left, holding Victory in right hand and trophy in left.
Script: Latin
Lettering: COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC
Translation:
Consul Quintum, Pater Patriae, Senatus Populusque Romanus, Optimo Principi.
Consul for the fifth time, father of the nation. The senate and the Roman people. The best of princes.
Comment
Mass varies: 3–3.54 g;Diameter varies: 18–19 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a rare combination of two gods on its reverse side - Mars and Victory. This is unusual because Roman coins typically depicted a single deity or a personification of an abstract concept. The inclusion of both Mars, the god of war, and Victory, the personification of victory, suggests that the coin was minted to commemorate a significant military victory during Trajan's reign.
