Trajan, 98-117. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.31 g, 6 h), Rome, circa 112-113. IMP TRAIANVS 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. DIVVS PATER TRAIAN Divus Trajan Pater seated left on curule chair, holding patera in his right hand and short scepter in his left. BMC 500. Cohen 140. RIC 252. Woytek 406b. The obverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, nearly very fine.


The reverse of this issue honors Trajan's deceased father, Marcus Ulpius Traianus. Trajan Pater had a very impressive career under the Flavians, serving as the legate of Legio X Fretensis in the Jewish War in 67-70, as consul suffectus in 72, and as governor of Cappadocia and Galatia. In 73/4 (?), he was raised to the patriciate by Vespasian, before serving as governor of Syria (circa 73/4-75/6), proconsul of Asia, and governor of Hispania Baetica. It is commonly assumed that Trajan Pater died before his son's accession to power in 98, and he was eventually deified as Divus Traianus Pater in 112/3, as evidenced by our coin.