© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C; Tiber
| Bronze | 26.6 g | - |
| 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 | 26.6 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#253516 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Tiber standing left, pushing Dacia to the ground with right knee.
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: 24.49–28.69 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a portrait of Emperor Trajan on the obverse (front side), while the reverse (back side) depicts the personification of the Tiber River, which was an important symbol of Rome and its prosperity. The coin's design was meant to highlight Trajan's role as the optimus princeps, or "best leader," of the Roman Empire.
