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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 604 (sestertius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 604 (sestertius). Denomination: Sestertius. 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 VI P P.

The reverse shows abundantia, draped, standing front, head left, holding out two corn-ears in right hand over boy left, and cornucopiae in left; boy holds roll in left hand, with the legend S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C ALIM ITAL.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
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 and successor by the emperor Nerva. Remembered as a philanthropic ruler and successful soldier-emperor of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, he expanded the empire to its maximum territorial extent and was granted the title of optimus princeps ('the best ruler') by the Roman Senate.

Struck at Rome, this bronze sestertius commemorates Trajan's expansion of public welfare initiatives, specifically the alimenta programme. The reverse legend "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C ALIM ITAL" and the representation of Abundantia presenting corn-ears over a boy holding a roll refer to these social welfare policies. The obverse features the emperor's laureate portrait alongside his formal titles, including "IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan, laureate, draped on left shoulder, right
Reverse
Abundantia, draped, standing front, head left, holding out two corn-ears in right hand over boy left, and cornucopiae in left; boy holds roll in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P
Reverse legend
S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C ALIM ITAL

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Trajan 604 (sestertius)
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P
Reverse legend to match
S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C ALIM ITAL
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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