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

Sestertius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C; Roma and Victory

 
Bronze 25.1 g 33 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
25.1 g
Diameter
33 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#253436
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Roma, helmeted, in military dress, seated left on cuirass, holding Victory in extended right hand and vertical spear in left; left foot is on head of Dacian, right on helmet; by cuirass, three shields.

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: 20.52–27.18 g;
Diameter varies: 32–34.5 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 goddess Victory (Victoria) on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Trajan (98-117 AD). The image of Victory was meant to symbolize the Roman Empire's military conquests and the power of its rulers.