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

Sestertius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C; Abundantia

 
Bronze 26 g 32.5 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 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
26 g
Diameter
32.5 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#253440
Rarity index
94%

Reverse

Abundantia, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears in right hand over modius with corn-ears left, and cornucopiae in left hand; to right, prow of ship.

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: 23.02–28.18 g;
Diameter varies: 31–34 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the image of Abundantia, the Roman goddess of abundance and prosperity, on its reverse side. This suggests that the coin was minted during a time of economic growth and prosperity under the rule of Emperor Trajan.