Trajan, AD 98–117 — AR Denarius

Trajan ruled the Roman Empire from AD 98 to 117 and is remembered as one of Rome’s most successful emperors. Under his rule the empire reached its greatest territorial extent, while major building programmes and military victories reinforced his reputation as the ideal soldier-emperor. This silver denarius was struck at Rome between AD 103 and 111. The obverse shows Trajan with a laureate and draped bust. On the reverse, Trajan appears in military dress while Victory crowns him, a powerful image of imperial success and divine favour. The type reflects the military confidence and expansionist character of his reign. Trajan, AD 98–117 — AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103–111. NGC Ch VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 2/5, brushed. RIC II 212; BMCRE 236; RSC 514a; Woytek 185a.