IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / PM TRP COS IIII P P, Victory, draped, walking left, holding wreath and palm.  20mm, 2.82 grams. Rome mint. RIC 60; RSC 242a.

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.