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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Trajan 96

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Trajan 96. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Trajan. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Trajan, laureate, right (sometimes draped on left shoulder), with the legend IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P.

The reverse shows dacian, his hands bound behind him, seated right on a pile of shields and arms, with the legend COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC DAC CAP.

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 was Roman emperor from 98 to 117 and the second of the Five Good Emperors of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. A soldier-emperor who presided over one of the greatest military expansions in Roman history, he was awarded the title of optimus princeps, meaning 'the best ruler', by the Roman Senate. His reign included major territorial conquests, notably the annexation of Dacia.

Struck at the Rome mint, this silver denarius belonged to the standard Roman silver denomination introduced during the Second Punic War. The coin’s reverse imagery and legends directly reference Trajan's military campaign in Dacia, depicting a Dacian with hands bound behind his back seated upon captured shields and arms alongside the legend "COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC DAC CAP". The reverse inscription also records the title "OPTIMO PRINC", echoing the senatorial honour granted to the emperor.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Trajan

Design

Obverse
Bust of Trajan, laureate, right (sometimes draped on left shoulder)
Reverse
Dacian, his hands bound behind him, seated right on a pile of shields and arms
Obverse legend
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P
Reverse legend
COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC DAC CAP

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Trajan 96
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P
Reverse legend to match
COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC DAC CAP
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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