© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C VIA TRAIANA; Via Trajana
| Bronze | 27.7 g | 34 mm |
| 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 | 27.7 g |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#253609 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Via Trajana, draped, reclining left, resting left elbow on rock, left hand on wheel balanced on left knee, holding branch in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C VIA TRAIANA
Translation:
Senatus Populusque Romanus Optimo Principi. Senatus Consultum, Via Traiana.
The senate and the Roman people to the best of princes. Decree of the senate. Road of Trajan.
Comment
Mass varies: 27.31–28.11 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Via Trajana, a major road built during the reign of Emperor Trajan, which connected Rome to the port city of Ostia. The road was an engineering marvel of its time, with a length of over 400 miles and featuring numerous bridges, tunnels, and viaducts. The coin's design serves as a testament to the Roman Empire's impressive infrastructure and engineering capabilities.
