IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIM AVG GER DAC, laureate draped bust right / PARTHICO PM TRP COS VI PP SPQR, Mars walking right with trophy and spear. 18mm, 3.09 grams. Rome mint, minted 116-117 CE. RIC 331; RSC 190.

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.