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RIC II Trajan 569 (sestertius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 569 (sestertius). Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Trajan. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Trajan, laureate, draped, right|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 arched, single-span bridge over river with eight vertical bars on side; boat moored below at right, with the legend S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
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, succeeding his adoptive father Nerva as part of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. A successful soldier-emperor, he led significant military expansions that brought the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent, annexing territories including Dacia and Nabataea. Trajan also oversaw extensive civic building projects across the empire, and the Roman Senate formally bestowed upon him the title of optimus princeps, meaning 'the best ruler'.

This bronze sestertius was struck at the Rome mint under Trajan's authority. In the Roman Empire, the sestertius served as a coin denomination valued at one quarter of a denarius, or two and a half asses, which made it useful for commerce. The obverse legend records his titles, while the reverse legend "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C" reflects the honorific title granted to him by the Senate. The reverse design depicts an arched, single-span bridge across a river with eight vertical bars and a moored boat.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan, laureate, draped, right|Bust of Trajan, laureate, draped on left shoulder, right
Reverse
Arched, single-span bridge over river with eight vertical bars on side; boat moored below at right
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 569 (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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