Roman Imperial Denarius (Trajan)

Roman Empire · 98-117 AD

An ancient Roman silver denarius featuring the laureate bust of Emperor Trajan on the obverse and a standing figure on the reverse, showing natural circulation wear and environmental encrustation.

Country: Roman Empire
Year: 98-117 AD
Denomination: Denarius
Metal: Silver (approx. 80-85% fine silver)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified August 22, 2026More roman empire coins →

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Overview

An ancient Roman silver denarius featuring the laureate bust of Emperor Trajan on the obverse and a standing figure on the reverse, showing natural circulation wear and environmental encrustation.

Historical significance

Trajan was one of Rome's greatest emperors, presiding over the empire's greatest military expansion and a golden era of internal stability. Denarii were the backbone of the Roman monetary system, used to pay soldiers and finance public works.

Obverse (front)

Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Emperor Trajan facing right, surrounded by the Latin legend identifying his titles and offices (e.g., IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P).

Reverse (back)

A standing divine or allegorical figure (such as Pax, Annona, or a standing deity), with surrounding Latin administrative or votive legends, struck on a slightly irregular ancient flan.

Estimated value

$30-$100 depending on exact condition and reverse legibility

What drives this coin's value

Condition, strike centering, portrait clarity, legibility of the reverse types and legends, and the presence of rare reverse motifs.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine (worn details with clear portraiture and partial legend legibility)

Mintage & rarity

Common to Scarce, though surviving examples vary widely based on individual preservation

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for correct weight, diameter, silver density, and natural die characteristics. Beware of modern cast replicas which show soft details or mold seams.

Notable varieties & errors

Numerous reverse legend variations corresponding to Trajan's successive holding of the tribunician power and consulships.

Similar coins

Denarii of contemporaries such as Nerva, Hadrian, and Antoninus Pius

Care & preservation

Store in a stable, low-humidity environment using inert materials like PVC-free flips or coin capsules. Avoid harsh chemical cleaning or abrasive polishing to preserve the historic surfaces and patina.