Trajan – 98 – 117

A Spaniard called Marcus Ulpius Traianus or more commonly known to you and me as Trajan was nominated as a Roman Emperor from 98 to 117, officially declared by the Senate optimus princeps (“best ruler”), after Nerva died of natural causes… Being adopted by Nerva, Trajan is remembered as an emperor who was a brilliant & successful soldier, who was instrumental in the greatest military expansion of Roman history, and the benevolent emperor who improved public roads, baths and many other benefits, whilst still leading the empire to attain its maximum territorial extent by the time of his death.

Silver Denarius of Trajan…

Reverse: Mars, advancing right, wearing a helmet, carrying a long spear in his right hand and balancing a trophy on his left shoulder…

R.I.C’s – Page 248 – No 52