IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRP COS VI P P, laureate draped bust right / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Mars walking right, holding spear and trophy. 19mm, 3.26 grams. Rome mint, minted 112-114 CE. RIC 269; RSC 372a.

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.