Sestertius - Trajan TR POT COS III P P S C, Concordia

Issuer Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Year 99-100
Type Standard circulation coin
Value 1 Sestertius = 1/4 Denarius
Currency Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition Bronze
Weight 26.5 g
Diameter 35 mm
Thickness
Shape Round (irregular)
Technique Hammered
Orientation
Engraver(s)
In circulation to
Reference(s) RIC II#412, OCRE#ric.2.tr.412
Obverse description Bust of Trajan, laureate, right (sometimes with aegis).
Obverse script Latin
Obverse lettering 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.)
Reverse description Concordia, draped, seated left on chair without back, sacrificing with patera in right hand over lighted altar left and holding double cornucopiae in left.
Reverse script Latin
Reverse lettering TR POT COS III P P S C
(Translation: Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae, Senatus Consultum. Holder of tribunician power, consul for the third time, father of the nation, decree of the senate.)
Edge
Mint
Mintage ND (99-100) - -
Numisquare ID 8403528820
Additional information

Historical Context: This Sestertius, issued 99-100 AD, dates to Emperor Trajan's early reign. The obverse legend, TR POT COS III P P S C, signifies his third consulship, tribunician power, and the title Pater Patriae, all conferred by the Senate. The Concordia reverse highlights Trajan's immediate focus on fostering harmony and stability within the Roman state. This was vital for consolidating his authority and projecting a just, unifying image, foundational to his later renown as Optimus Princeps.

Artistry: Though the engraver is anonymous, this coin exemplifies the high Imperial Roman artistic style of the Flavian-Trajanic period. The obverse presents a

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