TRAJAN (98-117). Sestertius. Rome.

Obv: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P.
Laureate bust right, wearing aegis.
Rev: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI / S C.
The Danube standing left, holding reed and with billowing drapery above his head, placing knee on Dacia, whom he forces to the ground.

Woytek 199b; RIC 558 corr. (Tiber).

Dacia is a region north of Macedonia that has long been a thorn in Rome's side. In 85 AD the Dacians crossed the Danube and sacked Moesia, inflicting a severe defeat on Domitian's army, which was forced to make peace in 88. Trajan resumed the conflict against Dacia and, after several battles, defeated King Decebalus at Tapae in 101 and forced him to surrender his fortresses. In 105, however, Decebalus regained power and attacked the Roman garrisons again. Trajan then besieged the capital of Dacia, Sarmizegetusa, almost completely destroying it in 106 AD. This sestertius was struck during the very last years of this conflict, and bears a propaganda message that seems to emphasize the brutal subjugation of the enemy and the conquest of his territory.

Condition: Good very fine; obverse tooled.

Weight: 27.71 g.
Diameter: 34 mm.