TRAJAN (98-117). Denarius. Rome.
Obv: IMP TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC P M TR P.
Laureate and draped bust right.
Rev: COS VI P P S P Q R.
Trajan's column surmounted by statue of Trajan, with patera and sceptre; two eagles at base.
Woytek 493v; RIC 307.
Condition: Very fine.
Weight: 2.87 g.
Diameter: 19 mm.
Trajan's Column was the crowning glory of Trajan's Forum, built with the spoils of the Dacian Wars, and the last and greatest of the Imperial Fora. Covered by a continuous frieze of the war's events, the column was capped with a gilded heroic statue of the emperor, while an inscription on the base recounted the feat of engineering in the Forum's construction. After Trajan's death, the column became the repository of his ashes. Trajan, 25 January 98 - 8 or 9 August 117 A.D.
"The celebrated Trajan's Column, commemorating the emperor's victories in the Dacian wars and still a prominent landmark of modern Rome, was dedicated on 12 May A.D. 113." -- Roman Coins and Their Values by David R. Sear