Trajan, 98-117. Dupondius (Orichalcum, 26 mm, 12.77 g, 6 h), Rome, circa 111. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P Radiate head of Trajan to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI / S - C // ARAB•ADQVIS Arabia standing front, head to left, holding branch in her right hand and bundle of calamus in her left; at feet to left, dromedary standing left. BMC 919. CBN -. Cohen 36 var. (no drapery). RIC 467 var. (no drapery). Woytek 364b. Rare. Somewhat smoothed and strengthened, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.


The reverse of this dupondius refers to Trajan's annexation of Arabia after the death of the Nabataean king, Rabbel II, in 106. In doing so, he secured the Romans' flank in case of a conflict with Parthia, which would erupt several years later, while also providing easier access to Arabia's trade in incense and spices.