Bronze as of Trajan (AD 98–117), struck at the Rome mint in AD 98–99, belongs to the early issues of his reign, produced shortly after his accession following Nerva and during the consolidation of his authority.
The obverse features a laureate head of the emperor facing right with the legend IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M, emphasizing both his adoptive connection to Nerva and the title Germanicus, assumed prior to his sole rule. This titulature is characteristic of Trajan’s earliest emissions and serves as an important chronological indicator.
The reverse depicts Victory advancing left, holding a palm branch and a shield inscribed SPQR, with the legend TR POT COS II P P and S-C in the fields, indicating a senatorial issue. In Roman iconography, Victory personified military success, while the shield bearing Senatus Populusque Romanus underscored the association of these victories with the Roman state as a political community.
Roman Imperial
Trajan (98-117), As 98-99, Rome mint
Obverse: laureate head right
IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M
Reverse: Victory walking left, holding palm branch and shield inscribed SPQR, S-C across fields
TR POT COS II P P
Diameter 27 mm, weight 11.26 g
