An ancient silver Roman denarius of Emperor Trajan, (Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus) struck 103 - 112 A.D. at the Rome mint.

The obverse with the laureate and draped bust of Trajan, facing right. The legend reading: IMP[erator] TRAIANO AVG[vstvs] GER[manicvs] DAC[ivs] P[ontifex] M[aximvs] TR[ibunicia] P[otestas] - "Emperor Trajan Augustus, Conqueror of Germany and Dacia, Chief Priest, Tribune of the People"

The reverse with winged Victory holding wreath and plam branch. The legend reading: CO[n]S[vl] V P[ater] P[atriae] S[enatvs] P[opvlvs]Q[ve] R[omanvs] OPTIMO PRINCI[ipi] - "Fifth time Consul, Father of the People and the senate of Rome, Best of Princes".

Diameter: 19 mm. Weight: 3.00 g.

Trajan, second of the so called 'Five good Emperors' is famed for his military success as Roman leader. Responsible for finally annexing the troublesome land of Dacia as well as Mesopotamia and Armenia, expanding the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent. Much of Trajan's monumental architecture can still be seen today, including Trajan's column, errected to commemorate the Dacian wars and still standing in Trajan's Forum, Rome.

Provenance: Ex. Collection of Professor J.E.Seaver.

Professor Seaver taught ancient history at the University of Kansas and was a keen opera lover, hosting his own radio show on the subject for nearly 60 years. He was a passionate collector of ancient coins and often used them to aid his teaching. ArtAncient Limited has been fortunate enough to acquire a large portion of the Seaver collection. (source artancientltd)