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.
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.
Place of Origin
Rome, Italy (made)
Date
112-114 AD (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Gold
Marks and inscriptions
'IMP. TRAIANO. AVG. DAC. P. M. TR. P. COS. VI. P. P.'
(IMP[ERATORI] TRAIANO AUG[USTO] DAC[ICO] P[ONTIFICI] M[AXIMO] TR[IBUNICIAE] P[OTESTATIS] CO[NSULO] VI [SEXTO] P[ATER] P[ATRIAE]) To the Emperor Trajan Augustus Dacicus [Conqueror of the Dacians], High Priest, Holder of Tribunician Power, in his sixth year as Consul, Father of the Country.
Reverse: S. P. Q. R. OPTIMO PRINCIPI
(S[ENATUS] P[OPULUS] Q[UE] R[OMANUS] OPTIMO PRINCIPI) The Roman Senate and people to the best leader.
Dimensions
Diameter: 2.0 cm, Weight: 7.18 g
Historical context note
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".
Descriptive line
Coin, aureus of Trajan, gold, head of Trajan, Roman, ca. 112-114 AD
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Cohen, Henry. Description Historique des Monnaies frappées sous l'Empire Romain communément appellées, médailles impériales, par Henry Cohen. Paris, 1859-68. No. 576.
Mattingly, Harold, and Sydenham, Edward Allen. The Roman Imperial Coinage. Vol. 2: Vespasian to Hadrian. London: Spink, 1926. No. 294
Mattingly, Harold. Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum. Vol. 3: Nerva to Hadrian. London: British Museum, 1936. No. 456
Christol, Michel, and Lassalle, Christiane. Monnaies d'or de l'empire Romain aux musées de Nimes. Nimes 1988. No. 52.
'Salting Bequest (A. 70 to A. 1029-1910) / Murray Bequest (A. 1030 to A. 1096-1910)'. In: List of Works of Art Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum (Department of Architecture and Sculpture). London: Printed under the Authority of his Majesty's Stationery Office, by Eyre and Spottiswoode, Limited, East Harding Street, EC, p. 112
Exhibition History
At Home in Renaissance Italy (Victoria and Albert Museum 05/10/2006-07/01/2007)
Labels and date
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]
Materials
Gold
Subjects depicted
Eagle; Hand; Banner; Trajan
Categories
Sculpture; Myths & Legends; Coins & Medals
Collection code
SCP
