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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 571

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 571. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Trajan. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Trajan, laureate, right (sometimes with aegis), with the legend IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P.

The reverse shows the Circus Maximus with obelisk in center; the spina is flanked by metae, with the legend S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
7
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 reigned as Roman emperor from 98 to 117 and was remembered as the second of the Five Good Emperors of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. A successful soldier-emperor who presided over extensive military expansion, he oversaw the annexation of Dacia and Nabataea as well as extensive building projects across Rome. During his principate, the Roman Senate bestowed upon him the formal title of optimus princeps, meaning 'the best ruler'.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius features an obverse portrait of the emperor with an inscription naming him "IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P". The reverse depicts the Circus Maximus, detailing the central obelisk and the spina flanked by metae. Accompanying this architectural design is the legend "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C", explicitly acknowledging the senatorial epithet granted to the emperor.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan, laureate, right (sometimes with aegis)
Reverse
The Circus Maximus with obelisk in center; the spina is flanked by metae
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 571
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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