Silver Denarius, Ancient Rome
Ruler: Trajan 98-117 AD
Obv: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P - Laureate bust of Trajan, right
Rev: COS V PP SPQR OPTIMO PRINC - Roma standing left, holding Victory
Mint: Rome, struck 107 AD
Sear-R3120 - 19mm, 3.19gm
Choice portrait - very fine coin, well struck and well centered
Trajan was Roman emperor from 98 AD until his death in 117 AD. Officially declared by the Senate as optimus princeps ("the best ruler"), this coin has "optimo princ " (Optimo princeps) on the verso, attesting to the Senate's declaraton. Trajan is remembered as a successful soldier-emperor who presided over the greatest military expansion in Roman history, leading the empire to attain its maximum territorial extent by the time of his death. He is also known for his philanthropic rule, overseeing extensive public building programs and implementing social welfare policies, which earned him his enduring reputation as the second of the Five Good Emperors who presided over an era of peace and prosperity in the Mediterranean world.
Trajan was succeeded by his adopted son Hadrian, and he was deified by the Senate after his death.