Sestertius - Trajan S P Q R OB CIV SER

Emisor Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Año 99-100
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valor 1 Sestertius = 1/4 Denarius
Moneda Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composición Bronze
Peso 24.24 g
Diámetro
Grosor
Forma Round (irregular)
Técnica Hammered
Orientación
Grabador(es)
En circulación hasta
Referencia(s) RIC II#421, OCRE#ric.2.tr.421
Descripción del anverso Head of Trajan, laureate, right.
Escritura del anverso Latin
Leyenda del anverso IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M
(Translation: Imperator Caesar Nerva Traianus Augustus, Germanicus, Pontifex Maximus. Supreme commander (Imperator), Caesar, Nerva Trajan, emperor (Augustus), conqueror of the Germans, high priest.)
Descripción del reverso Legend within oak-wreath.
Escritura del reverso Latin
Leyenda del reverso S P Q R OB CIV SER
(Translation: Senatus Populusque Romanum Ob Cives Servatos. The senate and the Roman people to the saviour of the citizens.)
Canto
Casa de moneda
Tirada ND (99-100) - -
ID de Numisquare 8368732420
Información adicional

Historical Context: This Sestertius, minted 99-100 AD, marks the early reign of Emperor Trajan, one of the "Five Good Emperors." Succeeding Nerva, Trajan’s principate brought stability and prosperity. The reverse legend, "S P Q R OB CIV SER" (Senatus Populusque Romanus Ob Cives Servatos), signifies the Senate's grant of the civic crown. This acknowledged his benevolent rule and constitutional legitimacy, contrasting Domitian's tyranny and emphasizing his commitment to the Roman people.

Artistry: Produced at the imperial mint in Rome, this coin exemplifies high imperial Roman numismatic art. Engravers are anonymous; the style features classicizing realism, evident in Trajan’s portraiture. The obverse typically shows a laureate bust of the emperor, with strong, mature features. The reverse (RIC II#421) depicts an oak wreath (corona civica) encircling "OB CIVES SERVATOS," often surrounded by "S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI." This design powerfully symbolizes the Senate’s gratitude and Trajan’s dedication.

Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, this Sestertius weighs 24.24 grams. Key high-points include the individual leaves and acorns of the oak wreath, the clarity of the central "OB CIVES SERVATOS" inscription, and details of Trajan’s hair and laureate wreath on the obverse. Due to challenges of striking large bronze flans, full strikes are uncommon. A well-preserved example exhibits strong detail, good centering, and minimal weakness in high-relief areas, indicative of careful die preparation and strike quality.

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