Trajan, 98-117. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 34mm, 29.10 g 6), Rome, c. 103-104. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P Laureate and draped bust of Trajan to right. Rev. S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI / S - C Triumphal arch: on the roof, on a pedestal inscribed IOM, chariot drawn by six horses between two Victories and, on a lower level, two trophies; below, another rectangular element containing the angular pediment of the central arch supported by two tall columns with Corinthian capitals: below the architrave a space containing a second, curved pediment supported by two smaller columns with doric capitals; on either side of the central doorway, two massive gateposts with flat roofs supported by pilasters and topped by a chariot; all wall spaces are covered with panels containing decoration including, on each side, a wreaths, arms, two captives bound back-to-back and an aegis. Banti 280 ( same dies ). BMC 842-846 var. BN 218-219 var. Cohen 547. RIC 572. Woytek 187f. Very rare. A beautiful, well-struck piece with a splendid brown and green patina. Extremely fine.

From a Swiss collection, privately purchased in the late 1980s.

The arch on the reverse of this coin is shown in great detail. Looking at the other examples of this general type illustrated by Woytek, it would seem that this is one of the finest examples known: it is certainly better than any of the five pieces with this precise reverse that he includes.