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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 202 (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 202 (denarius). Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Trajan. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Trajan, laureate, right, with the legend IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P.

The reverse shows virtus, helmeted, in military dress, standing right, left foot set on helmet, holding straight spear, inverted, in right hand and parazonium upwards in left, with the legend S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
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 was Roman emperor from 98 to 117, reigning during the Nerva–Antonine dynasty as a soldier-emperor who led significant military expansions, including the annexation of Dacia and Nabataea. Celebrated by the Roman Senate, he was awarded the formal title of optimus princeps, meaning 'the best ruler'.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this silver coin belongs to the denarius denomination, which served as the standard Roman silver coin from circa 211 BC into the third century. The obverse presents Trajan's imperial titles as consul for the fifth time, while the reverse legend "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI" directly reflects the senatorial honour bestowed upon him as the best ruler, paired with the martial figure of Virtus.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Head of Trajan, laureate, right
Reverse
Virtus, helmeted, in military dress, standing right, left foot set on helmet, holding straight spear, inverted, in right hand and parazonium upwards in left
Obverse legend
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P
Reverse legend
S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Trajan 202 (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P
Reverse legend to match
S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI
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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