© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C; Victory
| Bronze | 25.2 g | 34 mm |
| 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 | 25.2 g |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#253484 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Victory, naked to waist, standing right, left foot on helmet, holding stylus in right hand and with left hand attaching shield inscribed VIC DAC to palm-tree.
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: 24.27–25.83 g;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.
