Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (31mm, 20.60 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 112-summer 114. Fair.

Electronic Auction 564
Lot: 574.
Closing Date: Jun 19 2024 10:00 ET

Roman Imperial, Bronze

Estimate: $ 100

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Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (31mm, 20.60 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 112-summer 114. Laureate bust right, slight drapery / The Basilica Ulpia: building façade with three distyle avant-corps, each set on two-tiered base; central epistylon surmounted by triumphal quadriga; figures on either side holding outer horses and long scepters; flanking epistyla each surmounted by biga; pair of legionary aquilae at outer ends; ornate architrave above. RIC II 617; Woytek 464b; Banti 35; cf. Elkins, Monuments Figure 122 (for rev. type). Brown patina, somewhat rough surfaces. Fair. Rare. An important architectural reverse type.

A major element of Trajan's Forum, the Basilica Ulpia was an oblong building that stood perpendicular to the central axis of the Forum and divided the large open area with the equestrian statue of Trajan at its center from the Greek and Latin libraries flanking Trajan's Column behind. Constructed in two stories, and richly endowed with marbles from across the empire, the Basilica was a place not only where daily business was transacted, but demonstrated the extent of Rome's power and prestige.

Closing Date and Time: 19 June 2024 at 13:11:00 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.