Sestertius - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C ARAB ADQVIS; Arabia) (112-114) front Sestertius - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C ARAB ADQVIS; Arabia) (112-114) back
Sestertius - Trajan (S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C ARAB ADQVIS; Arabia) (112-114) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Sestertius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C ARAB ADQVIS; Arabia

 
Bronze 26.3 g 33.5 mm
Description
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
26.3 g
Diameter
33.5 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#253583
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 ADQVIS

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: 25.81–26.8 g;
Diameter varies: 33–34 mm;
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 exchange and influence that occurred between the Roman Empire and the Arabian Peninsula during this time period.