Trajan Denarius (Fortuna Redux type)
Country of Origin: Roman Empire
Year of Issue: 114-117 AD
Denomination: Denarius
Composition: Silver (approx. 80-90% fineness)
Brief Description
A silver Roman coin featuring the laureate and draped bust of Emperor Trajan and a seated figure of Fortuna on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Trajan was one of the 'Five Good Emperors'. This coin was minted during the height of the Roman Empire; the 'Fortuna Redux' (Fortune who brings one back) reverse likely refers to the Emperor's safe return from his campaigns in the East.
Estimated Value
$40-$100 in Very Fine/Fine condition, $250+ in Mint State/Choice XF
Care Instructions
Store in a PVC-free flip or archival capsule. Do not clean or scrub, as this removes the ancient patina and destroys numismatic value.
Mint Mark
None (Rome mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common for the type, though hundreds of variations exist within the series.
Weight & Diameter
3.2g - 3.4g, 18mm - 19mm
Edge
Plain / Irregular (struck)
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine (worn high points on Trajan's hair and Fortuna's drapery, surface marks present).
Obverse (Front)
Laureate and draped bust of Trajan facing right. Legend: IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC.
Reverse (Back)
Fortuna seated left, holding rudder and cornucopia. Legend: P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R. In exergue: FORT RED.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Centering of the strike, clarity of the legends, eye appeal, and metal quality.
Similar Coins
Often confused with other denarii of Trajan or Hadrian; look for the specific 'FORT RED' inscription in the exergue to distinguish.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Look for a visible 'seam' on the edge which indicates a cast fake. Check for flow lines in the fields radiating from the center, which are signs of a genuine struck coin.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Variations in the drapery of the bust (draped vs. cuirassed) or slight differences in the reverse legend.
Created At: 2026-05-04T11:47:07.529651