ROMAN EMPIRE – Trajan (AD 98–117) – AR Denarius
Rome Mint, circa AD 103–107
Obverse: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P. Laureate head of Trajan right, his portrait displaying the powerful, square-jawed realism characteristic of early 2nd-century imperial engraving — a visual statement of Rome’s strength under its greatest military leader.
Reverse: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI. The goddess Pax stands facing, head left, holding an olive branch in her right hand and a cornucopia in her left. Her left foot rests upon a bound Dacian captive, represented by head and shoulders only — a subtle yet unmistakable reminder of Trajan’s decisive victories in the Dacian Wars. This potent design communicates the Roman ideal of Pax Romana — peace through overwhelming force, which brings both stability and abundance to the empire.
References: BMC 212; Cohen 400; RIC 190a; Woytek 194aA
Metal: Silver (AR)
Diameter: ~19–20 mm
Weight: ~3.2–3.4 g
Condition: Boldly struck and well-centered, with sharp detail on both portrait and reverse scene.
Collector’s Note:
More than a simple silver coin, this denarius is an imperial press release in miniature — a declaration that Rome’s peace was hard-won and backed by the might of its legions. Issued shortly after the Dacian campaigns, the type draws a direct connection between the olive branch of peace and the subjugation of a proud enemy. The choice of Pax as the central figure, rather than a purely martial image, subtly frames Trajan not only as a conqueror but as a bringer of stability and prosperity. It is this blend of power and beneficence that earned him the title Optimus Princeps — “Best of Emperors” — from the Senate and People of Rome.
ROMAN EMPIRE – Trajan (AD 98–117) – AR Denarius
Rome Mint, circa AD 103–107
Obverse: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P. Laureate head of Trajan right, his portrait displaying the powerful, square-jawed realism characteristic of early 2nd-century imperial engraving — a visual statement of Rome’s strength under its greatest military leader.
Reverse: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI. The goddess Pax stands facing, head left, holding an olive branch in her right hand and a cornucopia in her left. Her left foot rests upon a bound Dacian captive, represented by head and shoulders only — a subtle yet unmistakable reminder of Trajan’s decisive victories in the Dacian Wars. This potent design communicates the Roman ideal of Pax Romana — peace through overwhelming force, which brings both stability and abundance to the empire.
References: BMC 212; Cohen 400; RIC 190a; Woytek 194aA
Metal: Silver (AR)
Diameter: ~19–20 mm
Weight: ~3.2–3.4 g
Condition: Boldly struck and well-centered, with sharp detail on both portrait and reverse scene.
Collector’s Note:
More than a simple silver coin, this denarius is an imperial press release in miniature — a declaration that Rome’s peace was hard-won and backed by the might of its legions. Issued shortly after the Dacian campaigns, the type draws a direct connection between the olive branch of peace and the subjugation of a proud enemy. The choice of Pax as the central figure, rather than a purely martial image, subtly frames Trajan not only as a conqueror but as a bringer of stability and prosperity. It is this blend of power and beneficence that earned him the title Optimus Princeps — “Best of Emperors” — from the Senate and People of Rome.
