Trajan, 98-117. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 34 mm, 27.82 g, 6 h), Rome, circa 111. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P Laureate head of Trajan to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. S•P•Q•R OPTIMO PRINCIPI / ARAB•ADQVIS / S - C Arabia standing front, head to left, holding branch in her right hand and bundle of cinnamon sticks or calamus (?) in her left; at feet to left, dromedary standing left. BMC 877. CBN -. Cohen 32 var. (no drapery). RIC 466. Woytek 363b. A magnificent example of this historically important issue and undoubtedly among the finest known. Boldly struck on a full flan, with a splendid portrait and wonderful reverse details. Very light roughness on the reverse, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.


The reverse of this wonderful sestertius refers to Trajan's annexation of Arabia after the death of the Nabataean king, Rabbel II, in 106. In doing so, he secured the Roman flank in anticipation of a future conflict with Parthia, which would erupt several years later, while also gaining easier access to Arabia's valuable trade in incense and spices. The reverse features the personification of Arabia, holding an olive branch in her right hand in a peaceful gesture, symbolizing the mostly peaceful annexation of the kingdom. At her feet, the dromedary symbolizes the province’s importance in caravan trade, while the elongated object in her left hand, interpreted as either bundles of cinnamon sticks or calamus, further alludes to the lucrative spice trade that passed through the former kingdom.