IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M, laureate head right / T R POT COS II PP S-C, Victory walking left, holding palm-branch and shield inscribed SPQR. Rome mint, minted 98/99 CE. 27mm, 8.96 grams. RIC 402; Cohen 617; Sear 3242 var (Consular year).

Lovely green patina.

Emperor Trajan (53–117 AD) was a Roman emperor who ruled from 98 to 117 AD and is remembered as one of Rome’s greatest rulers. Born in Hispania, he was the first emperor of non-Italian origin. Trajan expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent, conquering Dacia (modern Romania), Nabatea, and launching a campaign against Parthia. He was also known for his ambitious public works, including roads, bridges, and Trajan’s Forum in Rome. A just and pragmatic ruler, he earned a reputation for good governance and was later idealized as one of the “Five Good Emperors.” He died in 117 AD, succeeded by Hadrian.