TRAJAN, 98–117. AV Aureus (18 mm, 7.13g, 6h),

TRAJAN, 98–117. AV Aureus (18 mm, 7.13 g, 6h), Rome, AD 114–116. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev. P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R, the Genius of the Senate standing right, holding sceptre, facing the Genius of the Roman People standing left, holding cornucopia and sacrificing from patera over altar; in exergue, VOTA SVSCEPTA. RIC II 374; C. 657; BMCRE 587; Woytek 530f (same dies); Biaggi 550 (same rev. die); Calicó 1131 (same rev. die).

A highly important aureus, struck near the apogee of Trajan’s reign, celebrating the renewal of vows (vota suscepta) by the Senate and people of Rome for the emperor’s continued prosperity and success. The reverse presents a remarkable and unusual paired iconography: the Geniuses of the Senate and the Roman People, personifications of Rome’s civic order, engaged together in sacrifice, an affirmation of harmony between emperor, Senate, and populus at a time when Trajan was acclaimed Optimus Princeps. The portrait of Trajan is masterfully engraved in bold high relief, capturing his strong features with clarity and realism.

Well centered and struck on a broad flan, with attractive surfaces and even golden tone. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; rated R2 in both RIC and Calicó, with only seven other examples recorded on CoinArchives.