Trajan, 98-117. Dupondius (Orichalcum, 27 mm, 12.00 g, 6 h), Rome, circa 103-105. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P Radiate bust of Trajan to right, with aegis on his left shoulder. Rev. S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI / S - C Trophy of Dacian arms, with hexagonal and round shields at base. BMC 908. CBN -. Cohen 573. RIC 586. Woytek 196c. A splendid piece, with a lovely dark green patina and an excellent portrait. Tiny spots of corrosion on the obverse, otherwise, extremely fine.


This remarkable dupondius commemorates Trajan's Dacian Wars. Despite the Roman victory in the First Dacian War of 101/102, King Decebalus of Dacia (circa 85/7-106) remained in power. After extensive preparations, Trajan launched a decisive campaign in the Second Dacian War of 105/106. With the capture of the Dacian capital, Sarmizegetusa, and the suicide of the fleeing Decebalus, the Dacian kingdom fell and was subsequently transformed into a Roman province.