© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C; Victory
| Bronze | 24.3 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 | 24.3 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#253479 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Victory, draped, stepping left holding palm in left hand and with right hand setting a trophy upright left; trophy has two oblong shields at base (sometimes trophy has no weapons).
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: 21.82–25.59 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a depiction 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.
