Diverse denarius 98-117 n. Chr. Silver Trajan (98-117 CE), Rome mint, Roman Empire (RIC 119)

IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRP, laureate head right, slight drapery on left shoulder / COS V PP SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Aequitas seated left holding cornucopiae and scales. 20mm, 3.15 grams. Rome mint. RIC 119; RSC 86.

Emperor Trajan (53–117 AD) was a Roman emperor who ruled from 98 to 117 AD and is remembered as one of Rome’s greatest rulers. Born in Hispania, he was the first emperor of non-Italian origin. Trajan expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent, conquering Dacia (modern Romania), Nabatea, and launching a campaign against Parthia. He was also known for his ambitious public works, including roads, bridges, and Trajan’s Forum in Rome. A just and pragmatic ruler, he earned a reputation for good governance and was later idealized as one of the “Five Good Emperors.” He died in 117 AD, succeeded by Hadrian.