Trajan – Hand-Struck Bronze Sestertius Replica (Dacia Capta)

Dacia defeated! After his defeat in 101 A.D., King Decebalus complied with Rome for a time but then incited the tribes to pillage Roman colonies across the Danube. Trajan marched into Dacia in 105 A.D. After defeating the surrounding mountain fortresses, in 106 A.D. Trajan besieged Sarmizegetusa, the Dacian capital. With the aid of a Dacian traitor, the Romans found and destroyed water pipes supplying the city. Running out of water and food the city fell and was burned to the ground. Decebalus fled but, followed by the Roman cavalry, committed suicide rather than face capture. The Romans found Decebalus’ treasure, estimated at 165,500 kg of gold and 331,000 kg of silver, in the river of Sargesia.

DESIGN:
Obverse side
Bust of Trajan, laureate, right, with drapery on left shoulder
Legend:
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P

Reverse side
Dacian, wearing peaked cap and shirt with long sleeves, and breeches, seated left, on round shield, right knee drawn up, head resting on right hand, which is propped on right knee, left hand across knee: by round shield, an oblong shield : in front, left, trophy, consisting of helmet, cuirass, round and two oblong shields, and two curved swords: at foot of trophy, left, two spears and round shield, right, oblong shield and curved sword
Legend:
S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S-C in ex

A perfect choice for Numismatists, Historians, Military Veterans, Collectors.