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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 459 (sestertius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 459 (sestertius). Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Trajan. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Trajan, laureate, draped on left shoulder, right, with the legend IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P.

The reverse shows abundantia standing left, holding corn-ears and cornucopiae; child holding roll next to her, with the legend S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C ALIM ITAL.

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, having been adopted as heir and successor by Nerva. Regarded as a philanthropic ruler and soldier-emperor, he oversaw substantial military expansions, annexing Nabataea and Dacia, alongside wide-ranging domestic initiatives. During his reign, the Roman Senate awarded him the title of optimus princeps, meaning 'the best ruler'.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius features an obverse honouring Trajan and a reverse invoking the social welfare policies he expanded, specifically the alimenta. The reverse scene depicts Abundantia holding corn-ears and cornucopiae beside a child holding a roll, accompanied by the legend "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C ALIM ITAL". In Roman imperial coinage, the sestertius served as a large brass denomination, useful for commerce and valued at one quarter of a denarius.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan, laureate, draped on left shoulder, right
Reverse
Abundantia standing left, holding corn-ears and cornucopiae; child holding roll next to her
Obverse legend
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P
Reverse legend
S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C ALIM ITAL

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Trajan 459 (sestertius)
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P
Reverse legend to match
S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C ALIM ITAL
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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