Certified NGC Fine, this provincial issue offers collectors a fascinating glimpse into the monetary administration of the Roman Empire during the height of its territorial expansion.
Coin Highlights:
- Emperor: Trajan (AD 98-117)
- Date: AD 116
- Mint: Rome, struck for circulation in Syria
- Region: Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria
- Denomination: Dupondius
- Composition: Bronze
- Weight: 13.83 grams
- Diameter: 25 mm
- Grade: NGC Fine
- Certification Note: Countermark
- Reference: McAlee 507
Obverse:
- Radiate bust of Trajan facing right.
- Countermarked with a distinctive bull’s head.
- The radiate crown identifies the coin as a dupondius denomination.
Reverse:
- S C (Senatus Consulto) within an oak wreath.
- Traditional reverse design used on Roman imperial bronze coinage.
- Indicates authorization by the Roman Senate.
Historical Significance:
This coin was struck during Trajan’s eastern campaigns when the Roman Empire reached its greatest territorial extent. Produced at Rome and shipped east for circulation, it later received a bull’s head countermark, likely applied at Antioch.
Countermarks served various purposes throughout the Roman world. They could validate worn coins, reauthorize older issues, indicate local acceptance, or adjust coins for circulation within specific provinces. These marks provide valuable evidence for how coinage moved throughout the empire and how local authorities managed monetary supply.
The city of Antioch was one of the most important urban centers in the Roman East and served as a major military and administrative hub during Trajan’s campaigns against Parthia.
Emperor History: Trajan (AD 98-117)
Trajan is widely regarded as one of Rome’s greatest emperors. Adopted by Emperor Nerva, he succeeded to the throne in AD 98 and expanded the empire to its largest geographical extent. His military victories included the conquest of Dacia and successful campaigns against the Parthian Empire.
Beyond his military accomplishments, Trajan sponsored extensive public works, including roads, bridges, harbors, and the magnificent Forum of Trajan in Rome. His reign became the standard by which later emperors were judged, inspiring the phrase, “May you be luckier than Augustus and better than Trajan.”
Trajan died in AD 117 while returning from the East and was succeeded by his adopted heir, Hadrian.
Collectibility:
Countermarked Roman provincially circulated bronzes have become increasingly popular among collectors due to their unique historical context. Each countermark tells a secondary story beyond the original coin’s production, providing evidence of circulation patterns and local monetary administration. This Trajan dupondius combines the appeal of a major imperial ruler with an interesting and well-defined Antioch countermark, making it an attractive addition to collections focused on Roman provincial coinage. Find more alike here!
