1 Denarius - Imitating Trajan, 98-117

Barbarous imitations of Trajan's denarii were struck well after his death, at a point when Roman silver had become the dominant trading currency across the Rhine and Danube frontiers. The Germanic tribes producing these pieces had no interest in commemorating a dead emperor — they were exploiting the coin's established acceptance value among neighboring peoples and Roman traders alike. Trajan's types were among the most copied, likely because they remained in heavy circulation long after issue.

Silver content in these imitations varies considerably and often falls short of contemporary official issues, suggesting selective melting and restrike rather than fresh silver sourcing.