★ Pleasant Aureus of Trajan ★

Trajan AD 98-117. Rome
Aureus AV

19 mm, 7,13 g

IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Trajan to right / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI in three lines within oak wreath.

good very fine

RIC 150; Calicó 1121; BMCRE 253.

RIC 150; Calicó 1121; BMCRE 253. Trajan, born in AD 53, was Roman emperor from AD 98 to AD 117 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Roman emperors. His reign is notable for territorial expansion, military success, and significant public building projects, which earned him the title *Optimus Princeps* ("Best Emperor"). Trajan was the second of the so-called "Five Good Emperors" and succeeded Nerva, who adopted him as his heir due to his reputation as a capable general and administrator. Under Trajan’s rule, the Roman Empire reached its greatest territorial extent. His most famous military achievements include the conquest of Dacia (modern-day Romania) in two campaigns (AD 101–102 and AD 105–106). The victory over the Dacians was immortalized in the construction of Trajan's Column in Rome, which depicts scenes from the Dacian Wars. The conquest of Dacia brought vast wealth into the empire through the plundering of its gold mines, which helped fund Trajan’s extensive building programs. Trajan also launched a successful military campaign against the Parthian Empire (AD 113–117), capturing key cities such as Ctesiphon and extending Roman control into Mesopotamia. Although these gains were partially reversed after his death, the Parthian campaign further enhanced his reputation as a military leader. In addition to his military accomplishments, Trajan is celebrated for his extensive civic projects. He oversaw the construction of new roads, bridges, aqueducts, and public buildings throughout the empire. One of his most notable architectural achievements was the construction of Trajan's Forum in Rome, a grand complex that included the famous Trajan's Market and the aforementioned column. He was also known for his social reforms, such as improving the welfare of orphans and the poor through the *alimenta* program, which provided state-sponsored food and support. Trajan's rule is often seen as the height of the Roman Empire’s power and prosperity. He died in AD 117 while returning from a military campaign in the east, and he was succeeded by his adopted son, Hadrian. Trajan’s legacy endured, and his rule was remembered as a model of good governance and effective leadership.