Catalog Reference
RIC II Trajan 657
Ruler
Trajan
Denomination
Sestertius
Date
114 AD-117 AD
Mint
Rome
Metal
Bronze
Portrait Type
laureate

Obverse

IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG DAC GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P

Head of Trajan, laureate, right

Reverse

IMPERATOR VIIII S C

Trajan, in military dress, seated right on high platform on left, by him stand two officers; in front of him stand an officer and four soldiers whom he is haranguing; behind in background, three standards

About This Type

This RIC II Trajan 657 is a sestertius of Trajan (114 AD-117 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Trajan, in military dress, seated right on high platform on left, by him stand two officers; in front of him stand an officer and four soldiers whom he is haranguing; behind in background, three standards.

About the Sestertius

The sestertius was the large brass prestige coin of the Roman imperial series, typically 25–28 grams and 30–35mm in diameter. Its size gave engravers room for the finest portrait art and most detailed reverse compositions in Roman coinage. Sestertii bear the SC mark indicating senatorial authority over base metal coinage.

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 657?
RIC II Trajan 657 is a Bronze Sestertius of Trajan (114 AD-117 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. II no. II Trajan 657.
How do you identify RIC II Trajan 657?
The obverse depicts Head of Trajan, laureate, right with the inscription IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG DAC GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P. The reverse depicts Trajan, in military dress, seated right on high platform on left, by him stand two officers; in front of him stand an officer and four soldiers whom he is haranguing; behind in background, three standards with the inscription IMPERATOR VIIII S C. Portrait type: laureate.

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