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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 318 (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 318 (denarius). Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Trajan. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Trajan, laureate, draped, right, with the legend IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC.

The reverse shows fortuna, draped, veiled, seated left on chair without back, holding rudder set on ground in right hand and cornucopiae in left, with the legend P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R 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

Trajan ruled the Roman Empire from 98 to 117 as part of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, having been adopted as successor by Nerva. Known as a soldier-emperor, he led major military campaigns that saw the annexation of Dacia and Nabataea, followed by campaigns against the Parthian Empire. Trajan was awarded the title of optimus princeps ('the best ruler') by the Roman Senate.

Struck at Rome, this silver coin is a denarius, the standard Roman silver denomination introduced during the Second Punic War. The obverse presents a laureate, draped bust of the emperor with the title "OPTIMO", referencing the senatorial honour granted to him, alongside "GER" and "DAC" recalling his military commands. The reverse depicts Fortuna seated with a rudder and cornucopiae, accompanied by the inscription "FORT RED" and "P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

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

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Trajan 318 (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC
Reverse legend to match
P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R 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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