© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C ARAB ADQ; Arabia
| Bronze | 27.2 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Traianus) (98-117) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 112-114 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 27.2 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#253578 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Arabia, draped, standing front, head left, holding branch in right hand over camel, left, half hidden behind her and bundle of cane (?) over left arm in left.
Script: Latin
Lettering: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C ARAB ADQ
Translation:
Senatus Populusque Romanus Optimo Principi. Senatus Consultum, Arabiae Adquisit.
The senate and the Roman people to the best of princes. Decree of the senate. Gained Arabia.
Comment
Mass varies: 24.74–28.51 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman Emperor Trajan, who ruled from 98 to 117 AD, on one side, and an image of the goddess Arabia on the other. This suggests that the coin was minted during Trajan's reign and was intended to commemorate the Roman Empire's conquest of Arabia. The coin's design and imagery reflect the cultural and political influences of the time, and provide a unique window into the history of the Roman Empire.
