Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 291 (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 291 (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 trajan on horseback left, holding long spear reversed in right hand and sword 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 ruled the Roman Empire from 98 to 117 as the second emperor of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. A successful soldier-emperor, he presided over one of the greatest military expansions in Roman history, annexing Dacia and Nabataea and campaigning against Parthia. During his reign, the empire attained its maximum territorial extent, and the Roman Senate formally bestowed upon him the title of optimus princeps, meaning 'the best ruler'.

Struck at Rome, this silver coin belongs to the denarius denomination, which served as the standard Roman silver coin from its introduction around 211 BC until the third century AD. The reverse inscription "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI" directly reflects the senatorial title granted to Trajan, while the accompanying imagery portrays him on horseback carrying a spear and sword, echoing his role as a military leader.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan, laureate, draped, right
Reverse
Trajan on horseback left, holding long spear reversed in right hand and sword 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

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Trajan 291 (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
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.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference