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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 575 (sestertius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 575 (sestertius). Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Trajan. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Trajan, laureate, draped on left shoulder, 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 figure of Pax standing within octastyle temple with pediment of Jupiter seated between two reclining figures and five statues on roof, 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 reigned as Roman emperor from 98 to 117, having been adopted as heir by Nerva. Remembered as a soldier-emperor and the second of the Five Good Emperors, he expanded the Roman Empire to its maximum territorial extent through conquests including the annexation of Dacia. During his rule, the Roman Senate awarded him the title of optimus princeps, meaning 'the best ruler'.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this bronze sestertius carries Trajan's imperial titles alongside the reverse inscription "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C", echoing the honorific title granted to him by the Senate. The coin's design depicts an octastyle temple with a pediment showing Jupiter seated between two reclining figures and topped by five statues, with the figure of Pax standing within.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan, laureate, draped on left shoulder, right (sometimes with aegis)
Reverse
Figure of Pax standing within octastyle temple with pediment of Jupiter seated between two reclining figures and five statues on roof
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 575 (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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