Coin (reverse), an aureus of Trajan

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This gold coin was minted for the Roman emperor Trajan sometime between 114 and 117 AD. It is a type of coin known as an aureus, used in Scotland by the Roman army for dealings within the army or with foreign merchants.

The reverse depicts a Genius (a protecting spirit) holding a pan and ears of corn. Around this is the inscription 'P M TRP COS VI PP SPQR', 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 aureus was the highest value coin in circulation.

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-528-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C251
• Date: 114 - 117
  Between 114 and 117 AD
  
• Material: Gold; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. IMP . CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC; bust laureate draped right with aegis / Rev. P M TRP COS VI PP SPQR; Genius standing left, holding patera and corn-ears
  Coin Type: RIC 347 - 8 var
  Coin, aureus
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 x 19.50 mm D / Die Axis: 7.0
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC 347 - 8 var
  Coin, aureus
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Genius
  Trajan
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Spain
  
• Event:
• Description: Gold aureus of Trajan, Rome, 114 - 117
  
• References:
• Translations:
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