Sestertius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C; Providentia
| Bronze | - | - |
| 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 |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#253468 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Providentia seated left, feeding snake around altar.
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
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
The Sestertius - Trajan coin features an image of the Roman goddess Providentia on the reverse side, which is an interesting fact in itself. Providentia was the goddess of foresight and forward planning, and her presence on the coin may suggest that the Roman Empire was placing a strong emphasis on careful planning and preparation during the reign of Trajan (103-111 AD). Additionally, the coin's obverse side features an image of Trajan himself, with the inscription "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C" which means "The Senate and People of Rome, to the Best Princeps". This highlights the importance of the Princeps (or emperor) in Roman society, and how the Roman Empire was governed by a system of imperial rule. Overall, the Sestertius - Trajan coin provides a fascinating glimpse into the political, social, and religious beliefs of the Roman Empire during the 2nd century AD.
