Denarius - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI; Mars) (103-111) front Denarius - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI; Mars) (103-111) back
Denarius - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI; Mars) (103-111) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

Denarius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI; Mars

 
Silver 3.4 g -
Description
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
3.4 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#253056
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Mars, helmeted, in military dress, standing front, head right, holding vertical spear in right hand and resting left on shield.

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

Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a depiction of Mars, the Roman god of war, on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Trajan. This suggests that the coin was minted during a time of military conquest and expansion for the Roman Empire.