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RIC II Trajan 549 (as)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 549 (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 trajan, bare-headed, in military dress, standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and vertical spear reversed in left, being crowned by Victory, draped, standing left, holding palm upright in left hand, 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

Trajan, born Marcus Ulpius Traianus, 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 who supported Domitian and campaigned against Germanic tribes, he was adopted as heir by Nerva. As emperor, Trajan presided over major military expansions, annexing Dacia and Nabataea, and was granted the title optimus princeps by the Roman Senate.

Produced at the mint of Rome, this bronze as reflects Trajan's imperial and military standing. The obverse presents his bust alongside titles recording his adoption and victories, whilst the reverse displays the emperor in military dress holding a thunderbolt and reversed spear while being crowned by Victory. This martial imagery is framed by the legend "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C", invoking the title of 'the best ruler' conferred upon him by the Senate.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
As

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan, laureate, draped on left shoulder, right
Reverse
Trajan, bare-headed, in military dress, standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and vertical spear reversed in left, being crowned by Victory, draped, standing left, holding palm upright in left hand
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 549 (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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