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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 253 (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 253 (denarius). Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Trajan. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Trajan, laureate, draped, right, with the legend IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P.

The reverse shows fortuna, draped, seated left on chair without back, holding rudder set on ground in right hand and cornucopiae in left, with the legend S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI FORT RED.

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

Struck at the Rome mint, this silver denarius formed part of the standard Roman silver coinage that circulated from around 211 BC until the third century AD. The obverse presents a laureate, draped bust of the emperor with an inscription including his titles and his sixth consulship, "IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P". The reverse depicts the goddess Fortuna seated with a rudder and cornucopiae, paired with the legend "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI FORT RED", recalling the senatorial title awarded to him.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan, laureate, draped, right
Reverse
Fortuna, draped, seated left on chair without back, holding rudder set on ground in right hand and cornucopiae in left
Obverse legend
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P
Reverse legend
S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI FORT RED

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Trajan 253 (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P
Reverse legend to match
S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI FORT RED
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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