Trajan, 98-117. Dupondius (Orichalcum, 28 mm, 13.00 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 / ARAB ADQVIS / S - C 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. Slightly smoothed and with very minor scrapes on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.



The reverse of this beautiful 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 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.