Trajan, 98-117, Tetradrachm

Trajan, Tetradrachm, silver (AR), minted in Antioch, 98-117 CE. Weight: 9.27 g. The obverse features the Greek inscription "ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΚΑΙϹ ΝΕΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΓΕΡΜ ΔΑΚ," indicating Emperor Trajan with laureate bust facing right. The reverse displays "ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤ Ε," with a standing figure, possibly altering an attribute. The strike is well-centered with good remaining detail. References for this coin include RPC III, 3536. The tetradrachm minted in Antioch under Trajan holds historical significance as it reflects the Roman Empire's administrative and cultural integration of the Eastern provinces. Trajan's reign marked the height of territorial expansion, with the inclusion of Dacia and parts of the Middle East, thus this coin represents the widespread influence of Rome and the economic connectivity of its provinces.