Trajan’s Column Denarius Replica | Hand-Struck Silver Coin

Why collectors buy this piece

• Depicts Trajan’s Column, one of Rome’s most recognizable surviving monuments
• Preserves the ancient design showing the emperor’s statue at the summit
• Connects imperial portraiture with Roman architecture and the Dacian campaigns
• Features the column’s spiral decoration, pedestal and flanking eagles
• Individually hand-struck in solid sterling silver
• Complements collections of Trajan coins and Roman architectural types

Best suited for collectors interested in Trajan, the Dacian Wars, Roman monuments and architectural coin designs.

Overview & Craftsmanship

This Trajan’s Column denarius replica recreates an ancient coin design that places a Roman monument at the centre of its imagery. Trajan’s laureate, draped bust fills the obverse, while the reverse presents the column rising above its decorated pedestal.

The spiral bands along the shaft recall the monument’s sculpted reliefs. At the summit stands a statue of Trajan, while two eagles flank the base. The surrounding inscription, S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, honours the emperor on behalf of the Senate and People of Rome.

Each replica is individually hand-struck in sterling silver. Variations in flan shape, centering, relief and surface texture give each coin its own character. The photographs show a representative example of the design and finish.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• Trajan ruled the Roman Empire from AD 98 to 117. This denarius type was issued at Rome around AD 113–114.
• Trajan’s Column was dedicated in AD 113 within his forum, commemorating the Roman victories in the Dacian Wars.
• Its spiral reliefs depict military campaigns, construction, ceremonies and other scenes from those wars.
• The coin shows the monument with its original crowning statue of Trajan, preserving an aspect of its ancient appearance.
• Following Trajan’s death, his ashes were placed within the monument’s base.
• S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI means “The Senate and People of Rome, to the best ruler.”

Numismatic References:

References for the ancient prototype:

– RIC II 292 — denarius

– Woytek, MIR 14, 425v

– RSC 558

– BMCRE III 454

– BMCRR East 68–70

– Ashmolean Museum, Heberden Coin Room — HCR6826

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Trajan’s Column denarius replica

Denomination represented: AR Denarius

Mint: Rome

Era represented: 113–114 AD

Material: Sterling silver (.925)

Weight: approx. 3-4 gr

Dimensions: approx. 18-19 mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: Laureate and draped bust of Trajan right, seen from behind
Legend:
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P

Reverse: Trajan’s Column with spiral decoration, surmounted by a statue of the emperor; two eagles at the base, above a decorated pedestal with a doorway
Legend:
S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI

Intended Use

Suitable for:

– collections of Roman imperial coin replicas

– historical and educational displays

– study of Roman architecture and imperial imagery

– reenactment and study collections

– gifts for coin collectors and Roman history enthusiasts

Replica Disclaimer

This item is a hand-struck sterling silver replica inspired by ancient Roman coinage. It is not an original ancient coin.

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