© The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
© The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
Denarius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI; Ceres
| Silver | 3.3 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 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.3 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#253046 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Ceres, draped, veiled, standing left, holding two corn-ears in right hand and vertical torch in left.
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: 3.07–3.42 g;Diameter varies: 17.5–20 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Ceres on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Trajan. Ceres was the goddess of agriculture, fertility, and abundance, and her presence on the coin may have been intended to symbolize the prosperity and wealth of the Roman Empire during Trajan's rule.
