DI-1749 | RIC II Trajan 337
Trajan
Trajan

Dynasty: Antonine
Emperor: Trajan
Authority: Trajan
Date and mint: AD 114/AD 117 - Rome


Obverse: Bust of Trajan, laureate, draped, right
Legend: IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC

Reverse: Mars, with helmet, nude excepto by a cloak on the hombros, advancing right, holding a transverse spear in right hand and a trophy over left shoulder in left.
Legend: P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R

Comment: The dynasty of the adoptive emperors began with Nerva, who, having no heir, adopted Trajan as his successor in AD 97. This system allowed imperial power to pass to capable individuals rather than relying only on family inheritance. Trajan, from a senatorial family of Hispania, became the first non-Italian emperor and marked a change in Rome's power structure. He ruled from AD 98 to 117 and is remembered as one of Rome's most successful and just emperors. His reign greatly expanded the Empire, especially after the conquest of Dacia and campaigns against the Parthians, and he also promoted civil reforms and public works. This denarius was struck in AD 116-117, near the end of Trajan's reign, when he was campaigning in the East and had taken Ctesiphon. His health was declining, and the period marked both military apogee and transition toward Hadrian. The obverse presents Trajan laureate and draped, emphasizing victorious authority. The reverse, with Mars advancing with spear and trophy, clearly alludes to Trajan's military campaigns and victories.

Provenance: Editions V. Gadoury (2016)
Price: 1,210 €