© Museu de Prehistòria de València
© Museu de Prehistòria de València
Denarius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI; Genius
| Silver | 3 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 g |
| Diameter | 18.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#253080 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Genius, naked, except for cloak round waist, standing left, sacrificing with patera in right hand over lighted altar, and holding cornucopiae 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: 2.487–3.19 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 an image of the Roman Emperor Trajan on one side and the personification of the Roman state, Genius, on the other. This design was used to emphasize Trajan's role as the optimal ruler (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI) and to promote the idea of the Roman state as a divine institution.
