Sestertius of Trajan, "OPTIMO PRINCIPI"

Inscriptions

Obverse: Bust of Trajan, facing right, laureate, wearing a cloak pin, Legend: IMP(erator) CAES(ar) NERVAE TRAIANO AVG(ustus) GER(manicus) DAC(icus) P(ontifex) M(aximus) TR(ibunicia) P(otestas) CON(n)S(ul) V P(ater) P(atriae) (Emperor Caesar Nerva Trajan Augustus Germanicus Dacicus, Pontifex Maximus, endowed with power of the Tribune, consul for the fifth time, Father of his Country) clockwise from six o’clock. Reverse: Octastyle temple with Corinthian columns and three steps. A statue, holding a spear and cornucopia, is visible on a low base between a wider center intercolumniation. The spear has a banner extending right. The pediment is decorated with two reclining figures flanking a seated figure in sacrifice. Five standing figures on the roof. Legend: S(enatus)P(opulus)Q(ue)R(omanus) OPTIMO PRINCIPI (the Senate and the Roman people, for the best Princeps) clockwise from seven o’clock. S(enatus) C(onsulto) (by decree of the Senate) in exergue.

Course History

CLST 18, HIST 94.6, History of the Roman Empire, Roberta Stewart, Winter 2012

LAT 01, Introductory Latin, Scott Arcenas, Winter 2019

LAT 01, Introductory Latin, Bryce Walker, Winter 2019

LAT 01, Introductory Latin, Margaretha Kramer, Winter 2019

LAT 01, Introductory Latin, Jenny Lynn, Winter 2019

Exhibition History

Investigations into the Ancient Mediterranean, Harrington Gallery Teaching Exhibition, Yale University Collection-Sharing Initiative, Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, May 5-June 24, 2012.

Publication History

IMPERIUM ROMANUM IN NUMMIS, The Roman Empire in and on Its Coinage, a booklet with entries created by Dartmouth students and Professor Roberta Stewart, Spring 2012, no. 3, Chris Bodine, Class of 2013.

Provenance

Arthur Fairbanks (1864-1944), Class of 1886; given to present collection, 1927.

Catalogue Raisonne

RIC, Trajan no.575; BMC, Vol. III: nos. 858-859, pl. 32/5; Terrace 1958: pp. 18-19, no. 15

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