Heads or Tales: Trajan

The hot springs at Bath were not just used for bathing by the Romans; they often threw objects into the Sacred Spring as offerings to the goddess. The most common of these offerings were coins, with nearly 13,000 having been recovered during excavation. These coins were deposited from the early years of the sanctuary through to the early fifth century at the end of the Roman province. The majority are small change, however there are a small number of silver coins and four gold coins. In today’s blog post, we are going to look at a coin produced during Trajan’s reign.

Denarius of Trajan, obverse (l) and reverse (r)

During Trajan’s reign the Roman Empire was at its territorial height, and this period is remembered for the Empire’s extensive territorial expansion. His earliest conquests were the wars against Dacia, modern day Romania and its neighbouring countries. The first war (101-102 CE) resulted in Dacia becoming a client kingdom. The second war (105-106 CE) led to the destruction of the Dacian capital and the conquering of the region. Following the Dacian wars, Trajan then invaded the Parthian Empire to the east. He is also known for his extensive public building programmes, including Trajan’s Forum, Trajan’s Market, and Trajan’s Column, the latter of which depicts his victory in the Dacian Wars. There is very little known about Trajan’s attitude towards Britain as there is no reference to Britain in any contemporary written sources and he did not expand further into Britain.

Denarius of Trajan, obverse

Obverse:

The front of the coin depicts Trajan facing right, with a wreath of laurel leaves known as a laureate crown.

Inscription:

Imperator Caesar Nerva Traianus Optimus Augustus Germanicus Dacicus.

His regnal name was Imperator Caesar Nerva Traianus Augustus, and this was used during his reign and thereafter. The term optimus, meaning “the best”, was bestowed upon Trajan by the Roman Senate due to his popularity among his peers. It appeared on coins from 105 CE onwards, so this coin dates to after that time. The title Germanicus was conferred upon him during Nerva’s reign, when he was governor of Upper Germany. He was awarded this on account of his rule of the volatile province. The title Dacicus is a victory title, reflecting Trajan’s conquest of Dacia.

Denarius of Trajan, reverse

Reverse:

On the back of the coin is Providentia, the personification of foresight. She stands, facing left, and is holding a staff, with her hand resting on a column. Her appearance is used by Trajan to publicise that he is aware of the needs of the empire and its people and is taking steps to meet them.

Inscription:

Providentia Parthicus Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul IV, Pater Patriae, SPQR.

Like with the titles Germanicus and Dacicus, Parthicus reflects Trajan’s Parthian campaign. Pontifex Maximus refers to the Republican role of chief high priest and it was the most important position in Roman religion. It became an imperial title and served as a reference to the religious aspect of the imperial duties. Tribunicia Potestate translates to tribune of the people, a role representing the common people in government. It is often followed by a number to indicate which term as Tribune the emperor was serving, but not on this coin. Consul was the highest office under the Republic. During the Empire, it was held by the emperor and his family members. Romans rarely served as Consul more than twice, but the emperor could serve as many times as he wanted; this coin was minted during Trajan’s fourth time as consul. Pater Patriae translates to “father of his country”. SPQR stands for the Senate and the Roman People and is a phrase commonly associated with Trajan and the Roman Empire. This emphasises that his authority comes from the Senate and the People, rather than his adoption by his predecessor Nerva.

Stay tuned to see if you can make heads or tails out of next week's coin!

Eleanor

Collections Assistant