IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRP COS VI PP, laureate head right, drapery on left shoulder/ SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Trajan on horseback left, holding spear and small Victory. 19mm, 3.10 grams. Rome mint, minted 112-114 CE. RIC 291; RSC 497a.

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.