Trajan

Trajan, who ruled from 98 to 117 CE, is remembered as one of Rome’s greatest emperors, overseeing an era of military expansion, economic prosperity, and social welfare. Born in Spain, Trajan was the first Roman emperor from the provinces, marking a significant shift toward a more inclusive empire. He came to power through the adoption by his predecessor, Emperor Nerva, who sought to stabilize the Roman Empire through the selection of a strong, capable successor.

One of Trajan’s most notable achievements was his ambitious expansion of the empire to its largest territorial extent. His military campaigns included successful conquests in Dacia (modern Romania), which brought immense wealth to Rome through new gold mines. This allowed Trajan to fund extensive public works and social programs, including the iconic Trajan’s Forum, Market, and Column in Rome. These architectural achievements were a testament to the prosperity and engineering prowess of Rome under his rule.

Beyond his military accomplishments, Trajan was deeply committed to the welfare of his people. He initiated the *alimenta* program, a form of social welfare that provided financial aid to poor children, improving the lives of Rome's lower classes. Trajan was also known for his administrative reforms, which improved governance in the provinces, curbed corruption, and bolstered the efficiency of the empire's bureaucratic machinery. He was a fair and accessible ruler, earning him a reputation as a "good emperor" who led by example.

Trajan’s legacy endures through the admiration of both his contemporaries and later historians. His policies promoted stability, prosperity, and an unprecedented era of unity across the empire. Trajan's reign became the benchmark of Roman imperial success; in fact, future emperors were often wished to be “luckier than Augustus and better than Trajan.” His rule marked the zenith of Rome’s power and influence, and his dedication to both military and social achievements cemented his place as a model emperor in Roman history.

Coinage of Trajan is abundant and it is easy to find nice examples. This denarius has a pleasant portrait, excellent strike and centering, as well as lovely toning. But what makes this coin stand apart is the detail on Mars on the reverse. Whereas the reverse designs on most denarii look like hack jobs, this engraver clearly took extra care in crafting a beautiful reverse die that defies the norm .