|
TEMPLE, TRAJAN, Sestertius.
|
Orichalcum sestertius (27,22g). Rome mint. Struck AD 105-107.
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P laureate head of Trajan facing right.
S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI [/] S C Octastyle tempel with, on the pediment, a central figure seated facing flanked by two reclining figures; on roof, five statues; between columns, a figure on pedestal, naked to the waist, standing facing holding a long sceptre or spear, r. and a cornucopiae l..
RIC 575 (rare); Cohen 552; BMC 859; Foss (Roman Historic Coins) 103:43
ex Gorny & Mosch auction 170
Due to the lack of any specific legend on the reverse, there has been a lot of speculation as to which temple might be depicted here. Some argue the temple to be that of Honos which had been restored by Trajan a few years earlier. Others argue that it is the temple of Jupiter (later rededicated to Divus Traianus) also restored by Trajan. According to others still, it is the temple of Venus Genetrix as the pose of central figure resembles to statues of this divinity. Still others see Pax in the central figure and the temple is to be sought in the provinces. The central figure could well be Honos (compare with the left figure of the illustration in Numiswiki of HONOS ET VIRTUS).
|
|