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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 476 (sestertius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 476 (sestertius). Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Trajan. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Trajan, laureate, right (sometimes draped), with the legend IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P. The reverse shows s C in oak-wreath, 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 reigned as Roman emperor from 98 to 117, having been adopted as heir and successor by the emperor Nerva. Remembered as the second of the Five Good Emperors of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, he presided over one of the greatest military expansions in Roman history, annexing Dacia and Nabataea. The Roman Senate conferred upon him the title of optimus princeps, meaning 'the best ruler'.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this bronze sestertius carries the obverse legend "IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P", reflecting his imperial titles and his fifth consulship. The reverse bears the inscription "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI" alongside "S C" within an oak-wreath, echoing the honorific title granted to him by the Senate and the Roman people.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan, laureate, right (sometimes draped)
Reverse
S C in oak-wreath
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

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Trajan 476 (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
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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