Trajan (98-117 AD) ~ AR Denarius ~ NGC Choice Very Fine, Pedigree

Trajan (AD 98-117). AR denarius (18mm, 6h). NGC Choice VF. Rome, AD 114-117. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC PARTHICO, laureate, draped bust of Trajan right / P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R, Genius, nude, standing facing, head left, with patera in right hand and grain ears in left. RIC II 350. From the Werner Collection

NGC CERT #: 6155025-014

NGC DESCRIPTION: Roman Empire, Trajan, AD 98-117, AR Denarius

NGC GRADE: Choice Very Fine

ABOUT THE COIN:

Denarius were the standard Roman silver coin from its introduction in the Second Punic War c. 211 BC to the reign of Gordian III (AD 238–244), when it was gradually replaced by the antoninianus.  It continued to be minted in very small quantities, likely for ceremonial purposes, until and through the Tetrarchy (293–313).

Trajan was Roman emperor from 98 to 117.  Officially declared by the Senate optimus princeps ("best ruler"), Trajan is remembered as a successful soldier-emperor who presided over one of the greatest military expansions in Roman history and led the empire to attain the greatest territorial extent in history 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 within the Empire and prosperity in the Mediterranean world.

ABOUT NGC:

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