Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 50 (aureus)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 50 (aureus). Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Trajan. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Trajan, laureate, right with aegis, with the legend IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM.

The reverse shows hercules, naked, standing front on low base, holding club downwards in right hand and lion-skin over left arm, with the legend P M TR P COS IIII P P.

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 served as Roman emperor from 98 to 117, having been adopted by Nerva after earning distinction in military campaigns against Germanic tribes. A member of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, Trajan presided over major military expansion throughout his reign, during which the Roman Empire achieved its maximum territorial extent before his death in 117.

Valued at twenty-five silver denarii, the aureus was standardised under the Empire. The obverse depicts Trajan with the legend IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, while the reverse depicts Hercules standing on a base with a club and lion-skin, accompanied by the inscription P M TR P COS IIII P P.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan, laureate, right with aegis
Reverse
Hercules, naked, standing front on low base, holding club downwards in right hand and lion-skin over left arm
Obverse legend
IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM
Reverse legend
P M TR P COS IIII P P

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Trajan 50 (aureus)
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM
Reverse legend to match
P M TR P COS IIII P P
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.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference