Trajan
Imperator Caesar Nerva Traianus Optimus Augustus Germanicus Dacicus Parthicus
Born in Hispania, Trajan was the first emperor from the provinces and is regarded as one of the greatest Roman rulers. He expanded the empire to its maximum territorial extent through the conquest of Dacia and Parthia, while investing heavily in public works and social welfare programmes.
Trajan brought the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent and was posthumously honoured by the Senate as Optimus Princeps, the best of rulers. Subsequent emperors measured themselves against his standard, with the Senate wishing each new emperor to be 'luckier than Augustus and better than Trajan.'
Key Events
Coinage
Trajan's coinage is prolific, reflecting his military conquests and ambitious building programmes. The Dacian War types and the famous Column sestertii are highly prized. Dacian gold substantially improved the fineness of his aurei, and his portrait is among the most recognizable in the Roman series.
Denominations
Notable Types
- Dacian captive types
- Trajan's Column sestertius
- Via Traiana types
- Arabia Adquisita
- REX PARTHIS DATVS denarius
Common Reverses
Active Mints
Related Resources
Further Reading
- Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume II
- Coinage in the Roman Economy, 300 B.C. to A.D. 700