IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRP, laureate bust right, aegis on far shoulder / COS V PP SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Victory standing left, holding wreath and palm. 20mm, 3.15 grams. Rome mint, minted 103-111 CE. RIC 128; RSC 75b.

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.