The Roman Empire
Domitian


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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC MS Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

Preceded by a Republic that lasted five centuries prior, ancient Rome underwent a period of civil unrest that culminated in 27 BC, when the Senate confirmed Augustus as Emperor. This is usually considered the Roman Empire’s “official” beginning. Four centuries later, it would be divided into Western and Eastern Roman Empires. The former would last another century before succumbing to barbarian invasions, and the latter would transform into the Byzantine Empire, which would last until toppled by the Ottomans in mid-15th century AD. Over this vast timespan, the height was during the reign of Trajan (53-117 AD). Born Marcus Ulpius Traianus, he became an accomplished military leader and favorite of Emperor Domitian. When Domitian was murdered in 96 AD, the Senate choose as successor the elderly and childless Nerva. This was not a popular move with the Roman armies, and to gain their favor the new Emperor named Trajan as his adopted son and heir. In 98 AD, Nerva died and Trajan became next Emperor, although, being a clever tactician, he did not return to Rome until confirming his Legion’s loyalty. Trajan would excel as the Empire’s military commander, significantly expanding Rome’s influence. He scored a victory in his first campaign against the Dacians in 101 AD, earning him the title as depicted on the obverse of this denarius: IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, i.e., heir of Nerva, Augustus (Emperor) Trajan, Defeater of the Germans. Finishing the campaign would take several more years, achieved in no small part by rapid mobilization across the Danube via Trajan’s Bridge, a record-breaking undertaking ordered by the Emperor. Afterwards, the Dacian campaign was spectacularly commemorated in spiral bas relief on Trajan’s Column. Later annexations (notably part of Arabia) and further military conquests (notably against the Persians) further increased the lands and influence of the Empire. It was not in just military matters that Trajan liked to do things big. In addition to the aforementioned Trajan’s Bridge and Trajan’s Column, also completed were Trajan’s Forum, Trajan's Market, and numerous other ambitious building and road projects. Trajan held a gladiatorial festival in the Coliseum that lasted three months, hosted five million spectators, and reportedly left 11,000 participants dead (not including wild animals). Such grand designs required increased coin production, which Trajan facilitated by a boost in precious metals brought back from his campaigns coupled with a lowering of the denarius silver content. When Trajan died in 117 AD of natural causes, the Roman Empire stretched from Britannia to Mesopotamia, and encompassed all lands of the Mediterranean in between. The extent over which the Roman Empire governed, along with its longevity (in form or another) has had a profound influence on the modern world. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Trajan, 98-117 AD, AR Denarius (3.19 g), NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Rome mint 101-102 AD, Obverse: Laureate and draped bust right of Trajan, IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, Reverse: Mars advancing right with spear and trophy, P M TR P - COS IIII P P, Reference: RIC II, 52.

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