Dupondius - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C) (103-111) front Dupondius - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C) (103-111) back
Dupondius - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C) (103-111) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Dupondius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C

 
Bronze 12.4 g 27 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 Dupondius = ⅛ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
12.4 g
Diameter
27 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#253551
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Trophy consisting of helmet, cuirass, one round and one oblong shield: at base, two oblong shields.

Script: Latin

Lettering: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C

Translation:
Senatus Populusque Romanus Optimo Principi. Senatus Consultum.
The senate and the Roman people to the best of princes. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Mass varies: 10.69–14.56 g;
Diameter varies: 26–28 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

The Dupondius - Trajan coin was used to pay soldiers and civil servants during the reign of Emperor Trajan, who ruled the Roman Empire from 98 to 117 AD. The coin's design features the image of Trajan on one side and the inscription "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C" on the other, which stands for "Senatus Populusque Romanus Optimo Principi Senatus Consulto" or "The Roman Senate and People to the Best Prince by the Decree of the Senate." This coin was made of bronze and weighed 12.4 grams, which was a significant amount for a coin at that time.