© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C; Pax
| Bronze | 24.8 g | 34 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 | 24.8 g |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#253456 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Pax, draped, standing left, holding branch out and downwards in right hand and cornucopiae in left; her right foot treading down Dacian whose head and shoulders only are seen.
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: 24.22–25.45 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Sestertius - Trajan coin features an image of the Roman goddess Pax (Irene in Greek) on the reverse side, which is quite unusual for a Roman coin. Pax is depicted standing, holding an olive branch and a scepter, symbolizing peace and authority. This design was chosen to promote the idea of peace and stability during Trajan's reign, which was marked by military conquests and expansion of the Roman Empire.
