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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 500 (as)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 500 (as). Denomination: As. 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 fortuna, draped, standing left, holding rudder in front of prow in right hand and cornucopiae in left (sometimes there is no prow), 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 and the second of the Five Good Emperors of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. Formerly a general and governor, he was adopted as heir by Nerva before succeeding him. During his reign, the Roman Senate granted Trajan the title of optimus princeps, meaning 'the best ruler'.

This bronze as was struck at the Rome mint under Trajan's imperial authority. The coin's reverse legend, "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C", reflects the senatorial title of optimus princeps conferred upon the emperor, paired with an image of Fortuna standing with a rudder and cornucopiae. The obverse presents the emperor's portrait alongside the formal imperial titulature "IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
As

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan, laureate, draped on left shoulder, right
Reverse
Fortuna, draped, standing left, holding rudder in front of prow in right hand and cornucopiae in left (sometimes there is no prow)
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 500 (as)
Denomination and metal
As, 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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