Portrait Gallery of Roman Emperors

Portrait of Trajan on Silver Denarius
Reverse of Silver Denarius of Trajan

One of the Greats
Trajan was born at Italica in Andalucia, Spain, to a noble and accomplished family the Ulpii. He held numerous military posts, serving under Domitian. He was appointed by Nerva as Governor of Upper Germany, and adopted by Nerva as his heir. He received the news of his adoption by Hadrian, who he in turn named as his heir. On his succession, Trajan became the first non-Roman emperor. He expanded the empire by first annexing Dacia, and the famous monument Trajan's Column still stands in Rome today to celebrate this event. He also added new provinces in Armenia and Mesopotamia.

Building Success
In addition to his martial successes, he carried out much building work in Rome, and repaired many structures throughout the empire. While campaigning in the east, a number of revolts broke out, and he withdrew to Antioch. While attempting to return to Rome to deal with the problems, he became ill, and died of dropsy at Selinus in Cilicia.
He is remembered as one of the "five good emperors", which makes one think how the hundred or so others should be remembered.

Featured Coin
We show a silver denarius coin of Trajan with his laureate bust facing right, and the legend IMP TRAIANO AUG GER DAC PM TRP.
The reverse shows what we believe to be Victory semi-naked, holding a wreath and several branches, the legend reads COS V PP SPQR OPTIMO PRINC.

Roman Emperors Portrait Gallery
You may wish to visit our portrait gallery of Roman emperors. Although it is not complete, we add new and better coins when we can. We are always keen to buy superior quality Roman coins to upgrade our photo gallery.