© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
Sestertius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C
| Bronze | 30.2 g | 35 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 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 30.2 g |
| Diameter | 35 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#253494 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Trajan, bare-headed, in military dress, cloak floating behind him, riding right, thrusting spear at Dacian in front of horse.
Script: Latin
Lettering: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C
Unabridged legend: Senatus Populusque Romanus Optimo Principi. Senatus Consultum.
Translation: The senate and the Roman people to the best of princes. Decree of the senate.
Comment
RIC doesn't mention the drape, but cites “Munich Sale 1914”. The Jacob Hirsch 1914 sale in Munich featured the coin with drape: 1069.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Trajan, who was known for his extensive public building programs and military campaigns, including the conquest of Dacia (modern-day Romania). The coin's reverse side depicts a personification of the Roman Empire, represented by a woman seated on a throne, holding a scepter and a shield. This image symbolizes the power and prosperity of the Roman Empire during Trajan's rule.
