Trajan, 98-117. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 32 mm, 24.48 g, 7 h), Rome, circa 112-113. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P Laureate head of Trajan to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. S•P•Q•R OPTIMO PRINCIPI // AQVA / TRAIANA // S - C The Genius of the Aqua Traiana reclining to left under arched and ornamented grotto supported by two columns, holding reed in his right hand and leaning left on urn from which water flows. BMC 976. Cohen 23 var. (obverse legend and bust type). RIC 607. Woytek 448b. An unusually attractive example with excellent reverse details. Light deposits and with some minor roughness on the obverse, otherwise, good very fine.



The Aqua Traiana was dedicated by Trajan in 109, transporting water from the hills to the north of Lacus Sabatinus (Lake Bracciano) to the suburbs of Rome. It was destroyed in 537 by the Ostrogothic king Vitiges during his siege of Rome, but restored by Belisarius somewhat later and remained in use until the Renaissance.