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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 543 (sestertius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 543 (sestertius). Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Trajan. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Trajan, laureate, right, with the legend IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P.

The reverse shows trajan, bare-headed, in military dress, cloak floating behind him, riding right, thrusting spear at Dacian below horse, with the legend S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
4
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

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius carries the obverse legend "IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P" alongside a reverse legend reading "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C". The reverse design depicts the emperor mounted in military dress thrusting a spear at a Dacian below his horse, referencing his military conquest and annexation of Dacia. The reverse legend also records the senatorial honorific bestowed upon him.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Head of Trajan, laureate, right
Reverse
Trajan, bare-headed, in military dress, cloak floating behind him, riding right, thrusting spear at Dacian below horse
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 543 (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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