The Roman Empire
Trajan, 98 – 117
Sestertius circa 112-Summer 114, Æ 26.51 g. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P Laureate bust r., with aegis. Rev. DACIA AV – GVST Dacia seated l. on pile of rocks, holding aquila ; at her side, a child holding corns and another holding grapes. In exergue, PROVINCIA / S C. C 125. BMC 961. RIC 622. CBN 767. Woytek 467c.
Very rare. Dark green patina and about extremely fine Ex NAC sale 46, 2008, 560.
The first of Trajan’s major conquests as emperor took place in Dacia, beyond the border that long ago had been established at the Danube. In two successful campaigns against the warlike Dacian King Decebalus, Trajan did much to preserve the security of Rome’s Balkan provinces, even if it required taking the war deep into Dacian territory.
In his first campaign, from 101 to 102, Trajan forced Decebalus to sue for peace. However, within a few years the irrascible Dacian king began to trouble the Romans, forcing the emperor to launch a new campaign in 106 known as the Second Dacian War. This time Trajan finished the war in the strongest terms: he routed the Dacians so completely that within months Decebalus had to flee for his life. Indeed, he committed suicide rather than be taken alive to Rome as a trophy for Trajan’s well-earned triumph. Even so, his severed head was brought to the capital and displayed.
After this impressive victory Trajan converted Dacia into a Roman province. In doing so the border of the Roman territories in that region was pushed well beyond the Danube. The prizes of victory were substantial, for the Romans acquired control of many resources in Dacia, including productive mines that were exploited for more than 150 years, and perhaps half a million Dacians which the Romans sold into the slave markets. Some of these proceeds were used by Trajan for building projects, including his famous column which commemorated the Dacian wars.
Many coins were issued by Trajan for the Dacian victories in both the first and second wars. The most common types show the emperor on horseback spearing a fallen Dacian warrior, or depict the personification of Dacia mourning while seated on a shield, amid arms and armor, or at the base of a trophy. Other types show Trajan, the goddess Roma or Pax standing with one foot upon the severed head of Decebalus.
This important type shows the personification of Dacia with two children, one holding grapes, the other ears of grain. They are upon on a rocky outcrop, enclosed by the inscription DACIA AVGVST PROVINCIA, which offers a clear reference to Trajan’s newly created province.