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RIC II Trajan 100

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 100. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Trajan. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Trajan, laureate, right (sometimes draped on left shoulder), with the legend IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P.

The reverse shows danuvius (The Danube), naked to waist, cloak floating out behind, reclining left on rocks, head right, placing right hand on prow of ship, left elbow resting on rock; reeds over left and right arms, with the legend COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC DANVVIVS.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
16
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Trajan served as Roman emperor from 98 to 117 and was the second ruler of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. A successful soldier-emperor, he led major military expansions, annexing Dacia and Nabataea, which brought the Roman Empire to its maximum territorial extent. During his reign, the Roman Senate awarded him the title of optimus princeps, meaning 'the best ruler'.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this silver denarius belonged to the standard silver coinage of the Roman world, a denomination originally introduced during the Second Punic War. The reverse design specifically names and portrays Danuvius, the personification of the Danube, reclining beside rocks and a ship's prow.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan, laureate, right (sometimes draped on left shoulder)
Reverse
Danuvius (The Danube), naked to waist, cloak floating out behind, reclining left on rocks, head right, placing right hand on prow of ship, left elbow resting on rock; reeds over left and right arms
Obverse legend
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P
Reverse legend
COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC DANVVIVS

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Trajan 100
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P
Reverse legend to match
COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC DANVVIVS
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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