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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 607 (sestertius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 607 (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 river god reclining left on rocks under arched grotto supported by two columns; left arm resting on urn and reed in right hand, with the legend S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C AQVA TRAIANA.

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

This bronze sestertius was minted in Rome under the Roman emperor Trajan, who reigned from 98 to 117. Trajan was the second of the Five Good Emperors of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, having been adopted as heir and successor by Nerva. During his rule, the Roman Senate awarded him the title of optimus princeps, meaning 'the best ruler'.

In the Roman Empire, the sestertius served as a coin useful for commerce, originally valued at two and a half asses and representing one quarter of a denarius. As emperor, Trajan was responsible for major building projects. The reverse legend quotes his senatorial title alongside the aqueduct name in 'S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C AQVA TRAIANA', while the obverse legend identifies him as '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
River god reclining left on rocks under arched grotto supported by two columns; left arm resting on urn and reed in right 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 AQVA TRAIANA

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Trajan 607 (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 AQVA TRAIANA
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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