002 Traian Dacia SOLD

Ruler: Traian 98-117 AD. 

Denomination: Sestertius

Obverse: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P; Laureate bust right, with slight drapery.

Reverse:  S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI / S C.; Dacian seated left, in attitude on mourning, on round shield; two shields beside him, trophy of arms to left.

Mint: Rome

Weight: 25,62 g

Diameter: 33 mm

Reference: RIC 560 

Price: 3600 PLN

Note: scarce, very desirable and historically important reverse type, celebrating Traian's successful conquest of Dacia. 

In 101 CE, the Romans launched an offensive against Dacia. After crossing the Danube, a Roman army numbering as many as 150,000 men, led by Emperor Trajan, defeated the enemy at the Iron Gates of the Danube. A year later, the Romans captured key mountain fortresses surrounding the Dacian capital, Sarmizegetusa.

King Decebalus sued for peace but did not accept its terms. In 105 CE, another campaign against Dacia began. The Romans advanced to Sarmizegetusa and laid siege to the city. The city eventually surrendered, and Decebalus, along with part of his forces, fled to make one last stand. The dying king was discovered by a legionary named Maximus, who delivered his head to the emperor. Dacia became a Roman province.

Collection : 30 Roman Sestertii, asses and dupondii