Here's one of my latest purchases: Roman Empire. AR denarius (19mm, 3.06g). Trajan (98-117 AD). Obverse: Laureate and draped bust right, [IMP T]RAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P. Reverse: Standing figure of Arabia, holding branch and bundle of cinnamon sticks (?), camel at her feet; legend COS V PP SPQR OPTIMO PRINC. RIC 142. Trajan was one of the greatest military emperors of the Roman Empire, and at his death the Roman Empire reached its maximum extent. He waged successful wars in Dacia, Armenia, and Parthian Mesopotamia and was even able to appoint (briefly) a puppet Parthian king. This coin commemorates another addition to Roman territory, the annexation of Nabataea in 106 AD. The kingdom of Nabataea occupied much of modern Jordan and the Sinai peninsula, and because of its position grew wealthy by taxing the overland spice and incense trading routes that led from Arabia Felix (Yemen) to the Mediterranean port city of Gaza. Cinnamon was one of those spices, originating from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and carried in ships across the Indian Ocean on monsoon winds to Yemen. The Nabataean capitol city of Petra, with many buildings carved directly into the rock, is now a major tourist attraction in Jordan. The Nabataean kingdom was for many years a client of Rome. On the death of king Rabbel II in 106, Trajan sent in two legions to take control and turn the kingdom into the province of Arabia Petraea. There was no obvious justification for doing so, as Rabbel II had a legitimate heir and there was no rebellion against Rome in progress. It has been speculated that this was part of a broader strategy by Trajan to consolidate Roman power along the empire's periphery, especially the region bordering Parthia, in preparation for his Mesopotamian war. Interestingly, the legends of this coin make no reference to either Nabataea or Arabia Petraea. The figure on the reverse is identified as Arabia due to the tiny camel at her feet, and the titles used for Trajan date the coin type to 103- 111 AD, consistent with the date for Nabataean annexation. The object Arabia carries over her shoulder is identified in RIC as "bundle of cinnamon sticks (?)" which seems reasonable based on what is visible on the coin, and what we know about Arabia Petraea's role in the spice trade. Spices were very valuable commodities in the Roman world; cinnamon could sell for up to 300 denarii per pound. Thus it seems like a fitting subject to show on a coin: "The cinnamon will continue to flow through Arabia Petraea, thanks to Trajan."
Thanks for the great write-up @Parthicus I really enjoyed it. I only have a couple coins of Trajan. AR Denarius, Rome mint, 112 - 117 A.D. 3.035g, 19.1mm, Obv: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder. Rev: VIA TRAIANA S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, female personification of the Via Traiana reclining left, wheel on right knee balanced with right hand, branch cradled in left arm, left elbow resting on rocks. RIC II 266
My other coin of Trajan. AR Denarius, Rome mint 107-111 AD, 3.022g, 18.6mm Obv: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P P, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder. Rev: COS V PP SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Mars walking left, in military garb, Victory in right, trophy in left hand. RIC II 114, RSC II 63, fire damaged,
Great write up and coin @Parthicus I have the full camel reverse... RI Trajan CE 98-117 AR drachm Struck CE 114-116 Arabia Petraea Bostra - Camel SNG ANS 1158 (Corrected)
Thanks for the comments everyone! @Alegandron : I like your coin, but I think you pasted in the wrong description...
I'm not terribly fond of cinnamon but I like the coin... . It's an excellent type. Hmmm... if those are cinnamon sticks the figure is holding, they're the humongous!
Very interesting reverse type and great write-up about it, too, @Parthicus ! Here's my latest Trajan: Trajan, AD 98-117 Roman AR denarius; 2.95 gm, 20 mm Rome, AD 114-117 Obv: IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC, laureate and draped bust, right Rev: P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R, Mars walking right with spear and trophy Refs: RIC 337; BMCRE 536; Cohen 270; RCV --; Woytek 520v; Strack 230; BN 819
The cinnamon sticks we use today aren't usually real cinnamon. They're a cheaper substitute. The sticks on the coin are probably the real deal and are the right size. (Thank you Alton Brown for stuffing my head with useless spice trivia). Here is my only Trajan...but I have one on the way as well from an auction win. RIC 318, RSC 154, Very Fine, 19.2mm, 3.59 grams Obverse: Laureate draped bust of Trajan to right, IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC around Reverse: P M TR P COS VI P P SPQR around Fortuna seated to left, holding rudder in right hand and cornucopia in left, FORT RED in exergue
