AE As. 0° 25x27 mm
Obverse legend: IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M, Laureate Head of Trajan facing right.
Reverse legend: TR POT COS IIII P P. Victory walking left holding palm-branch & shield inscribed S. P. Q. R. On either side of Victory: S-C.
Notes: "P M: PONTIFEX MAXIMUS Meaning “High Priest”. As holder of this title, Trajan was in charge of the Roman religion and scared ceremonies. As was normal, the title was assumed by Trajan when he became Emperor in AD 98.
TR POT: TRIBUNICIA POTESTAS Meaning “Tribune of the People”. Officially the title meant Trajan was a protector of the rights of the plebeians, but in reality it allowed him to do almost anything he wished to do. It not only gave him the power to convene or dismiss the Senate, but included veto power over the Senate’s decisions. The title was renewed annually and while not the case on this coin, on some coins it is followed by a number indicating how many times it had been awarded and thus can be used to accurately date many other coins.
COS IIII: Meaning Consul for the fourth time. The title of Consul originates early in the Republic period when a Consul was the highest magistrate and had a great deal of power. Under the Empire the power of the consuls was greatly diminished, with the title more one of show than power. Most Emperors held the title, which was renewed periodically so helps to date coins. Trajan’s coins showed COS IIII between his taking up that office on 1 Jan. 101 and his becoming COS V on 1 Jan. 103, i.e., throughout the years 101-2. The title Pater Patriae he got late fall of AD 98.
P P: PATER PATRIAE Pater Patriae means “father of his country”. This was a purely honorary title which only some Emperors used, and did not confer any additional powers to the Emperor.
S P Q R: SENATUS POPULUSQUE ROMANUS Meaning “The Senate and the Roman People”."
Ex Incitatus Coins (Steve McBride) “Deal of the Week” Code ca. V.
