Denomination: Silver denarius

Period: Roman imperial

Date: cAD 103-111  

Origin: Rome mint

Condition: Very fine, some slight staining to reverse

Obverse: Laureate head, right, legend IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V PP

Reverse: Trophy on tree stump with armour, a sword and javelins, SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI

Size and Weight: 18mm, 2.86g

References: RIC II 225 (this is the rarer variety)

Features and Provenance: Trajan is considered to be the most successful emperor the Roman Empire ever had, despite reigning for only 19 years. He was born in 53 AD and adopted by Nerva in 97 AD whose weak leadership needed a popular military figure to improve his standing. However, in a few months Nerva died and Trajan ascended to the throne. 

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible