Laureate bust right, with slight drapery // Jugate busts of the Dioscuri right, HKY (=year CY 428 = 116/117 CE) left. 25mm, 10.22 grams. RPC# -; Rouvier -; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC -; CNG E-189, lot 124.
Rare type, dated to the last year of Trajan.
Trajan (53-117 CE) was a Roman emperor of exceptional military and administrative ability who ruled from 98 to 117 and presided over the empire at its greatest territorial extent. Born in Spain and rising through a distinguished military career, he was adopted by Nerva and quickly became a popular and energetic ruler. His reign featured major conquests - most famously the defeat of Dacia - as well as vast building projects such as Trajan’s Forum, Market, and Column. Known for his justice, generosity, and good relations with the Senate, Trajan balanced expansion abroad with solid governance at home. He died in 117 while returning from campaigns in the East, leaving a legacy as one of Rome’s most admired emperors.