Trajan Hercules Reverse As Replica | Hand-Struck Bronze Coin

Why collectors buy this piece

• Features the distinctive club-and-lion-skin reverse associated with Hercules
• Pairs Trajan’s imperial portrait with a compact mythological design
• Recreates a less familiar denomination alongside the better-known sestertius and denarius
• Individually struck in solid bronze
• Suitable for a Trajan collection, mythology display or Roman history gift

Best suited for collectors interested in Trajan, Hercules and the variety of Roman imperial bronze coinage.

Overview & Craftsmanship

This Trajan Hercules as replica brings together an imperial portrait and the attributes of one of antiquity’s most recognizable heroes. The upright club, textured lion skin and low pedestal give the reverse a sculptural appearance, framed by the Roman inscription and the letters S C.

Each coin is individually hand-struck in bronze. Small differences in shape, strike and surface character are part of the production process, giving each reproduction its own appearance.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• Trajan ruled the Roman Empire from AD 98 to 117. This type is attributed to Rome around AD 103–104.
• The obverse shows the emperor wearing a laurel wreath.
• The reverse combines the club and lion skin of Hercules, attributes associated with the hero’s strength and legendary labours.
• The inscription S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI honours Trajan as the “best ruler” on behalf of the Senate and People of Rome.
• The letters S C abbreviate Senatus Consulto, conventionally understood as “by decree of the Senate.”
• The denomination represented is an as, catalogued as RIC II 581, with this laureate-head variety identified as Woytek 176a.

Numismatic References:

The ancient prototype is documented in the following references:

– RIC II 581

– Woytek 176a — laureate head right

– BMCRE III 946

– Cohen 565

– CBN 234

– Numismatica Ars Classica 150, lot 820, December 2024

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Trajan Hercules as replica

Denomination represented: Æ As

Mint: Rome

Era represented: 103-104 AD

Material: Solid bronze

Weight: approx. 16-17 g

Dimensions: approx. 28-29 mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: Laureate head of Trajan right
Legend:
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P

Reverse: Upright club of Hercules resting on a lion skin draped over a low pedestal; S C across the fields
Legend:
S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI / S C

Measurements are approximate. Individual coins may vary slightly in weight, diameter, centering and surface appearance due to the hand-striking process.

Intended Use

Suitable for:

– Roman imperial coin replica collections

– Historical and educational displays

– Collections exploring Hercules and classical mythology

– Reenactment and study collections

– Gifts for Roman history enthusiasts

Replica Disclaimer

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

Explore related Trajan and Roman bronze replicas:

• See the Trajan Dacia Capta sestertius replica
• Explore the Trajan Pax sestertius replica
• Browse Roman as coin replicas