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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 492 (sestertius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 492 (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, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears in right hand over modius with corn-ears left, and cornucopiae in left hand; to right, prow of ship, 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

Formerly a general and governor, he was adopted as successor by Nerva following military campaigns against Germanic tribes. During his imperial reign, the Roman Senate bestowed upon him the title of optimus princeps, meaning 'the best ruler'.

This bronze sestertius was struck at the mint of Rome. In imperial commerce, the sestertius served as a coin valued at two and a half asses, representing one quarter of a denarius. The coin incorporates Trajan's senatorial title in its reverse legend, "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C", accompanying an image of Abundantia holding corn-ears and a cornucopiae beside a modius and a ship's prow, alongside an obverse depicting the emperor with the legend "IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P".

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, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears in right hand over modius with corn-ears left, and cornucopiae in left hand; to right, prow of ship
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 492 (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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