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

Denarius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI; Mars and Victory

 
Silver 2.9 g 18 mm
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
2.9 g
Diameter
18 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#253049
Rarity index
93%

Reverse

Mars standing left, holding Victory and trophy.

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: 2.6–3.19 g;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a depiction of the Roman god Mars, who was considered the god of war, on one side, and Victory on the other. This symbolism represents the military conquests and victories of the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Trajan.