Trajan Aureus, Hercules reverse
RIC II Trajan 49 (aureus) · 101 AD-102 AD · Rome
Obverse
Reverse
Münzkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Obverse
IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM
Head of Trajan, laureate, right
Reverse
P M TR P COS IIII P P
Hercules, naked, standing front on low base, holding club downwards in right hand and lion-skin over left arm
About This Type
This RIC II Trajan 49 (aureus) is an aureus of Trajan (101 AD-102 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Hercules, naked, standing front on low base, holding club downwards in right hand and lion-skin over left arm. Struck in gold at a standard weight of 7.09g, 19mm diameter.
About the Aureus
The aureus was the principal Roman gold denomination, struck from the late Republic through the early fourth century. It typically weighs 7–8 grams and measures 19–21mm. Because gold does not corrode, aurei often survive in exceptional condition compared to silver and bronze issues of the same period.
About the Rome Mint
The Rome mint was the principal mint of the Roman state from the Republic through the fall of the Western Empire. It produced the vast majority of gold and silver coinage and was the only mint for much of the first and second centuries AD.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is RIC II Trajan 49 (aureus)?
- RIC II Trajan 49 (aureus) is a Gold Aureus of Trajan (101 AD-102 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. II no. II Trajan 49 (aureus).
- How do you identify RIC II Trajan 49 (aureus)?
- The obverse depicts Head of Trajan, laureate, right with the inscription IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM. The reverse depicts Hercules, naked, standing front on low base, holding club downwards in right hand and lion-skin over left arm with the inscription P M TR P COS IIII P P. Portrait type: laureate.
- What are the physical specifications of RIC II Trajan 49 (aureus)?
- RIC II Trajan 49 (aureus) was struck in Gold, standard weight 7.09g, diameter 19mm, die axis 6 h, struck.
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