Aureus of Trajan
Coin
112-114 AD (made)
112-114 AD (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The aureus was the standard gold coin of the Roman empire from the 1st century BC until the 4th century AD, and was issued throughout that period.
The use of the portrait is the most persistent and usually the most striking feature of coins of the Roman Empire. Particularly during the first three centuries of the Empire's existence (27 BC-AD 284) images of historically recorded (and some unrecorded) people appear on the majority of coins. Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus) was one the greatest of the Roman emperors. He was regarded as a just ruler and waged successful wars against the Germans and the Parthians, and was rewarded with the title Optimus, 'the Best'.
Ancient Roman coins were very popular with Renaissance collectors. By owning them, and copying aspects of them in their own commissions, patrons could acquire some of the glory of the classical world.
The use of the portrait is the most persistent and usually the most striking feature of coins of the Roman Empire. Particularly during the first three centuries of the Empire's existence (27 BC-AD 284) images of historically recorded (and some unrecorded) people appear on the majority of coins. Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus) was one the greatest of the Roman emperors. He was regarded as a just ruler and waged successful wars against the Germans and the Parthians, and was rewarded with the title Optimus, 'the Best'.
Ancient Roman coins were very popular with Renaissance collectors. By owning them, and copying aspects of them in their own commissions, patrons could acquire some of the glory of the classical world.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Aureus of Trajan (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Gold |
| Brief description | Coin, aureus of Trajan, gold, head of Trajan, Roman, ca. 112-114 AD |
| Physical description | Gold coin. On the obverse is a head of Trajan with an inscription around the border. On the reverse is shown three standards, surmounted by (l-r) a vexillum (a banner carried by Roman troops), an eagle, and a hand. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Gallery label | THREE COINS of Trajan
98-117
Ancient Roman coins were very popular with Renaissance collectors. By owning them, and copying aspects of them in their own commissions, patrons could acquire some of the glory of the classical world.
Roman
Gold (left) and brass (centre and right)
Museum nos. A.680, 707, 708-1910(2008) |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by Mr George Salting |
| Historical context | The aureus was the standard gold coin of the Roman empire from the 1st century BC until the 4th century AD, and was issued throughout that period.The use of the portrait is the most persistent and usually the most striking feature of coins of the Roman Empire.The tradition is still commonly seen today. Particularly during the first three centuries of the Empire's existence (27 BC-AD 284) images were made of historically recorded (and some unrecorded) people. Trajan was one the greatest of the Roman emperors. He waged successful wars against the Germans and the Parthians, and was rewarded with the title Optimus, 'the Best'. His memory was greatly honoured, and he was given the unusual right of burial within the city limits of Rome. His ashes were placed in the base of his great column, held in an urn made of gold. Theologians, such as Thomas Aquinas, discussed Trajan as an example of a virtuous pagan. In the Divine Comedy, Dante, following this legend, sees the spirit of Trajan in the Heaven of Jupiter with other historical and mythological persons noted for their justice. Dio Cassius reported that "he was devoted to boys and to wine". |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | The aureus was the standard gold coin of the Roman empire from the 1st century BC until the 4th century AD, and was issued throughout that period. The use of the portrait is the most persistent and usually the most striking feature of coins of the Roman Empire. Particularly during the first three centuries of the Empire's existence (27 BC-AD 284) images of historically recorded (and some unrecorded) people appear on the majority of coins. Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus) was one the greatest of the Roman emperors. He was regarded as a just ruler and waged successful wars against the Germans and the Parthians, and was rewarded with the title Optimus, 'the Best'. Ancient Roman coins were very popular with Renaissance collectors. By owning them, and copying aspects of them in their own commissions, patrons could acquire some of the glory of the classical world. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.680-1910 |
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| Record created | March 31, 2006 |
| Record URL |
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