IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC PM TRP COS V P P, Laureate head right, drapery on far shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI S-C, Ceres standing left, holding corn-ears and long torch, modius at feet. 30mm, 23.2 grams. Rome mint, minted 107 CE. RIC II 479; Sear 3228 var; Cohen 369; Sear (1988) 1004.

Trajan (r. 98–117 CE) was one of Rome’s greatest emperors, celebrated for his military brilliance, administrative competence, and public works. Under his rule, the empire reached its maximum territorial extent, thanks mainly to the conquest of Dacia (modern Romania) and successful campaigns in the East. Trajan was admired for his justice, generosity (alimenta programs for poor children), and his respectful relationship with the Senate. His reign left iconic monuments—Trajan’s Forum, Trajan’s Market, and Trajan’s Column, which commemorates his Dacian Wars. Remembered as optimus princeps (“the best ruler”), Trajan set the gold standard for imperial leadership in Roman memory.