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RIC II Trajan 564

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 564. 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 dacia, seated left, in attitude of mourning on shield and pile of arms; before her on left a trophy, with the legend S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
27
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, ruling as the second of the Five Good Emperors of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. A successful soldier-emperor who presided over one of the greatest military expansions in Roman history, he annexed Dacia and Nabataea. During his reign, the Roman Senate awarded him the title of optimus princeps, meaning 'the best ruler'.

Struck at Rome, this bronze sestertius features an obverse legend identifying Trajan as "IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P". The reverse legend, "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C", incorporates the senatorial title granted to him. Its imagery depicts Dacia seated in mourning on a shield and a pile of arms before a trophy, referencing the emperor's military conquest and annexation of Dacia.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Head of Trajan, laureate, right
Reverse
Dacia, seated left, in attitude of mourning on shield and pile of arms; before her on left a trophy
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 564
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

Varieties

  • RIC II Trajan 560

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

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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