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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 489 (sestertius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 489 (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 roma, helmeted, in military dress, seated left on cuirass, holding Victory in extended right hand and vertical spear in left; left foot is on head of Dacian, right on helmet; by cuirass, three shields, with the legend S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C.

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, reigning as the second ruler of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. A soldier-emperor who presided over one of the greatest military expansions in Roman history, he achieved new conquests that included the annexation of Dacia. The Roman Senate granted him the title of optimus princeps, meaning 'the best ruler'.

This bronze sestertius was struck at the mint of Rome. The obverse bears Trajan's imperial titles, including "DAC" reflecting his Dacian campaigns, as well as "IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P". The reverse legend "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C" incorporates his senatorial title optimus princeps. The reverse design depicts Roma seated upon a cuirass with her left foot placed upon the head of a Dacian, holding Victory and a spear.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan, laureate, draped on left shoulder, right
Reverse
Roma, helmeted, in military dress, seated left on cuirass, holding Victory in extended right hand and vertical spear in left; left foot is on head of Dacian, right on helmet; by cuirass, three shields
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

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Trajan 489 (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
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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