© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Trajan S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C; Victory
| Bronze | 26.6 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 | 26.6 g |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#253510 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Trajan, bare-headed, togate, standing left on base set on dais, adorned with festoons and four eagles, holding branch in right hand and vertical sceptre in left; he is crowned by Victory flying left and flanked by two eagles and a captive on either side.
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: 25.57–27.7 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 its dominance over other nations. The coin's design also includes the inscription "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C," which stands for "Senatus Populusque Romanus Optimo Principi Senatus Consulto" or "The Senate and People of Rome, by the will of the Senate and the People." This inscription was used to indicate that the coin was issued by the Roman Senate and People, and that it was approved by the Roman Emperor.
