Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Trajan

This silver coin was minted in Rome by the emperor Trajan in 98 or 99 AD. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts Vesta, the goddess of the hearth, seated on a chair. The legend 'PONT MAX TR POT COS II' continues the abbreviated list of Trajan's titles begun on the obverse.

There was no single title 'Emperor' in imperial Rome. Instead, emperors assumed or were given a number of titles. On this side, Trajan records his religious title of Pontif Maximus, the judicial title Tribuniciae potestatis and his second consulship. As Pontifex Maximus, he had the right to appoint Vestal Virgins, the priestesses sacred to Vesta.

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