EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (36mm, 21.49 g, 12h). Dated RY 17 (AD 113/4). Near VF.

Electronic Auction 581
Lot: 383. Estimated: $ 200

Roman Provincial, Bronze

Sold For $ 1 100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (36mm, 21.49 g, 12h). Dated RY 17 (AD 113/4). Radiate bust right, aegis on left shoulder / Trajan, laureate and in military dress, seated left on curule chair, holding Nike and scepter; to left, Armenian captive kneeling right at base of trophy. Köln 647; Dattari (Savio) 717-8 var. (laureate); K&G 27.549; RPC III 4794.5; Emmett 457.17. Brown patina, slight roughness, flan cracks, reverse details slightly enhanced. Near VF. Rare.

Trajan's final campaign against the Parthians was sparked by Parthia's replacement of the pro-Roman king of Armenia with one of their own in AD 114. Armenia had been a strategic and semi-independent kingdom which served as an important buffer between Parthia and Rome. The last conflict over this region, during Nero's reign, resulted in a delicate balance that stabilized the situation for over fifty years. The move by Parthia now upset the balance and posed a threat to Rome's wealthy Syrian cities. Trajan’s campaign was swift and decisive; by 115, Armenia was restored as a Roman client state. To secure the eastern frontier, he then moved southward through Mesopotamia, and captured the Parthian capital, Ctesiphon, in 116. Although short-lived, these victories were celebrated on much of Trajan's later coinage. This coin was struck in the first year of Trajan’s march on Armenia.

Closing Date and Time: 19 February 2025 at 12:07:20 ET.

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