I have been looking now for a while for Trajans denarius depicting the Columna Traiani. The opportunity presented itself a few days ago and I decided to go for it. This is not a rare coin, maybe not even altogether that scarce, but it is highly in demand due to the interesting historical reverse depiction. This example appealed to me when I saw it, and I know I may have overpaid a little.......but I like it a lot and I think it was worth the stretch. I also have the dupondius and the sestertius of the type so that makes it all the more interesting. Trajans column stands to this day at his Forum in Rome. Denarius (3,53g), Rome, Winter 114-Spring 115 a.D. Obv.: IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC, Draped bust with wreath facing right. Rv.: P M TR P COS - VI P P S PQ R, Columna Traiani with spiral reliefs showing scenes of Trajans Dacian campaigns. RIC 356, RSC 284, MIR 514v.
That is a scarce coin, especially in that condition. There is a lot of demand for them due to the history and the fact that still stands in Rome. Extremely nice coin man. Even if you overpaid a little I think that coin will hold its own and appreciate for you.
Thanks, guys, for your comments. Yes, this is a nice type, showing the level of detail I wanted. The auction where I bought it (H.D Rauch in Vienna) had two specimens on auction. The other one had a better modelled bust, but less detailed reverse. Since this coin goes by the reverse, I decided to go for this one. I was not the only one to think this coin was the more desirable though....and that accounts for the price.
Beautiful coin. Beautiful piece of history. Anyone who knows anything about Ancient Roman history would be impressed by the significance of the coin. :thumb: It is not only a great coin, but also a significant piece of numismatic art. guy
Here's a couple of pictures I took of the real thing to compare. The three-level base design on the coin is actually recognizable. This is where the ashes of Trajan and his wife were ultimately buried. And you can make out the suggestion of the spiraling design of the column itself on its denarius counterpart. Great coin. Congratulations.
Very cool Eduard, that is a nice historic coin that I think is on the list of 'wanted coins' by everyone who is interested in Trajan and that time period. Nice! Nice pics of the real deal too Eyestrain. I always liked how there are little slots in it, viewing ports from the inside.... gives an idea of the scale to those who only seen photos and drawings.
Once again, thank you ALL for your comments, and thank you Eyestrain for the photos of the actual column in Rome. An Impressive monument which I must see one day. Out of interest, here are some examples of this coin sold in major auctions over the last few years. I particularly wanted to see what level of detail the die cutters were able to bring out on the column. Some of these examples clearly show the spiralling design as it exists in the actual monument, as well as some elements to replicate the more intricate detail. In my opinion no mean feat considering the size of a denarius and the tools the ancient die cutters had at their disposal. The style and cut of the bust also seem to vary somewhat. Some of these examples are really beautiful coins.
Those are very nice examples. Very impressive. Seeing differences like that is what makes ancients fun. Dont see that with a boring morgan or wheat back
Those examples you just posted are quite nice, with much detail. Your example has a great spiral going up, showing where the reliefs would be, and is a far nicer example than many I have seen sell. Beautiful coin Eduard. and I agree with mat you could spend the same ammount or even more for a 'rare' or 'key date' Morgan dollar or 'Mercury head' dime, but aside from that one different digit or mintmark, it's basically the same as the coin of the previous year or different mint.... so Ancient Roman coins certainly bring alot to the table in means of true artisan craftsmanship, where you can get interesting differences between dies used, I find that to be quite intriguing.
Agreed, shame some non ancient collectors dont get that. But hey, that keeps demand low and cheaper for us .
To go along with the Denarius, here is my sestertius showing Trajans Column - RIC 579. It is not as well detailed as the denarius, but it does have a nice, smooth green patina (with some imperfections). Unfortunately the pictures are not that good. This sestertius shows in-hand more detail and nicer patina than the pictures show. The obverse shows the bust with slight drapery over the right shoulder.
