Trajan. AD 98-117. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.17 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 114-117.

Keystone Auction 6 – Session Two
Lot: 2013. Estimated: $ 2 500

Roman Imperial, Gold

Sold For $ 4 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Trajan. AD 98-117. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.17 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 114-117. IMP TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, viewed from behind / COS • VI • P • P S • P • Q • R •, Jupiter standing left, holding scepter in left hand and thunderbolt in extended right hand, small figure of Trajan standing left, holding branch in right hand and scepter in left. RIC II 298 var. (not cuirassed); BMCRE 513; Woytek 490f; Calicó 1017; Biaggi 483. Light reddish tone, a few surface marks. VF.

In the winter of 114/115 AD, Trajan was in Antioch and his presence in the city had drawn a large crowd of distinguished Romans there as well. The city was struck by a tremendous earthquake that left scores of people dead, but somehow Trajan miraculously escaped from a falling building. This reverse type, which depicts a large figure of Jupiter shielding the smaller emperor beneath his arm, celebrates the protection the chief of the gods provided Trajan.

The final winners of all Keystone 6 lots will be determined at the online sale that will be held on 11 March 2022. Session Two will be held Friday afternoon, 11 March 2022 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.