Trajan, AD 98–117 • Mint: Odessos (modern Varna, Bulgaria), Moesia Inferior.

Trajan, AD 98–117

• Mint: Odessos (modern Varna, Bulgaria), Moesia Inferior

• Denomination: AE Pentassarion (large module)

• Diameter / Weight: 30 mm / 21.9 g (as measured)

• Obverse: AVT KAI NEP TRAIANOC CEB ΓEPM – laureate head right, slight drapery

• Reverse: OΔHCCEITΩN – Great God of Odessos (Derzelas) standing left, wearing kalathos, holding patera in right hand and cornucopia in left

• References: AMNG I,1 2239; Varbanov 4279; RPC III 783; SNG Copenhagen 679 var.

• Condition: Dark green patina with earthen highlights, as photographed

• Provenance: Ex private European collection (N&N Auction 115, lot 530 is the smaller 22mm type of this issue – same reverse type)

Description for listing:

Large, heavy bronze of Trajan from the Black Sea mint of Odessos, showing the city's patron deity Derzelas in full figure. At 21.9g and 30mm this is the pentassarion module, much rarer than the common 7–9g assaria. Sharp portrait with full legend, reverse deity well-centered with clear OΔHCCEITΩN ethnic. An impressive provincial with excellent patina.