TRAJAN (98-117). Denarius. Rome. Restitution issue of Augustus, with Agrippa.

Obv: AVGVSTVS.
Bare head right.
Rev: IMP CAES TRAIAN AVG GER DAC P P REST / COSSVS CN F LENTVLVS.
Equestrian statue of Agrippa right, holding trophy over shoulder, on base decorated with two rostra.

Woytek 848 (5 specimens); RIC 817.

Extremely rare

Trajan followed the example of the emperors Titus, Domitian, and Nerva, striking restitution coins that closely imitated older models. He was, however, the first to issue restitution coins not in bronze but exclusively in precious metal, and the first ever to mint gold coins of this type, likely dating to 112/3 AD. The reason for these issues may have been the melting down of old and worn coins, as reported by Cassius Dio. Some of these denarii struck by Trajan imitate coins from the Republican era, while others evoke the emperors who preceded him. It is likely that this initiative was also intended to emphasize the emperor’s desire to present himself as a continuation of his predecessors, models of good governance such as Augustus. This extraordinary specimen imitates a rare denarius struck by Cossus Cornelius Lentulus in 12 BC. The obverse features a remarkable portrait of Augustus, which, however, closely resembles that of Trajan himself. On the reverse is Agrippa, his most trusted friend and collaborator, to whom an equestrian statue was dedicated shortly after his death; the rostra at the base recall his famous naval victories.

Condition: Good very fine.

Weight: 2.62 g.
Diameter: 19 mm.

Estimate: € 5000