Coin (reverse), an orichalcum semis of Trajan

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This orichalcum coin was minted in Rome for the Roman emperor Trajan sometime between 114 and 117 AD. It is a type of coin known as a semis, used in Scotland by the Roman army for dealings within the army.

The reverse has the letters 'S C' (for Senatus Consulto), surrounded by a wreath. Around this is the inscription 'DAC PARTHICO P M TR POT XX COS VI P P', a continuation of the obverse inscription listing the emperor's titles.

For dealings within the army, and for transactions with foreign merchants, the Romans in Scotland used coins minted elsewhere in the empire. Dealings with natives were based on barter. The semis was a low value coin, the equivalent of small change.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-061-933-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C11491
• Date: 114 - 117
  Minted between 114 and 117 AD
  
• Material: Orichalcum; slight wear. Inscription: Obv. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIM AVG GERM; radiate draped bust right / Rev. DAC PARTHICO P M TR POT XX COS VI P P around; S C within wreath
  Coin Type: RIC 650 var
  Coin, semis
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 7.0
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC 650 var
  Coin, semis
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Trajan
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Empire
  
• Event:
• Description: Orichalcum semis of Trajan, Rome, AD 114 - 117
  
• References:
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