The Roman Empire
Trajan, 98 – 117
Divo Traiano. Aureus 118, AV 7.31 g. DIVO TRAIANO PART – H AVG PATRI Laureate and draped bust r. Rev. Phoenix, radiate, stands r. on laurel branch. C 659. BMC Hadrian 49 note. RIC 28 var. (also cuirassed). Calicó 983 (this coin). Biaggi 852 (this coin).
Extremely rare and possibly the finest specimen known of this very interesting
and symbolic issue. An unusual portrait well-struck and centred on a full
flan, minor marks, otherwise about extremely fine Ex Santamaria 26-28 June 1950, Magnaguti part III, 95; Sotheby’s 19 June 1991, Hunt part IV, 752 and UBS 75, 2008, 1036 sales.
In the summer of 117 the Roman world mourned the death of Trajan, a most energetic emperor who served his empire with great distinction. With his passing an age of conquest had come to an end, which would be followed by a strong counter- reaction. Rome would enter a new phase in its history when expansion and conquest no longer were the paths of choice, but there was a preference to consolidate and fortify.
Trajan was succeeded by his kinsman Hadrian. He encountered no serious opposition despite rumours that he was not the rightful heir, but that his accession had been arranged by Trajan’s widow Plotina, who had a strong emotional attachment to Hadrian. The memory of Trajan was dutifully honoured, with Hadrian requesting that the senate deify him and that a temple be erected on his behalf. When in the Autumn of 117 the senate offered Hadrian a triumph for the Roman victories in Parthia, he refused and insisted that the honour be awarded posthumously to Trajan. Not only did this demonstrate humility and restraint, but there may have been an element of self-preservation, for Hadrian knew that Trajan’s territorial gains were ephemeral and that the splendour of his victory was fast unwinding.
Since the tomb of Augustus had reached capacity with the addition of Nerva in 98, Trajan’s ashes were interred at the base of the column he had erected to commemorate his victories in Dacia. It was an unusual choice to be sure, and was contrary to the normal practice, but it was a suitable decision considering how much attention Trajan had paid to creating his legacy.
This aureus inscribed DIVO TRAIANO PARTH AVG PATRI and depicting a radiate phoenix standing upon a laurel branch was struck early in the reign of Hadrian. Among the other types struck in Trajan’s posthumous honor were issues inscribed TRIVMPHVS PARTHICVS, celebrating his triumphal procession, and issues bearing the portraits of both Trajan and Hadrian.