Silver Denarius, Rome, AD 112 References: RIC II Trajan 287 · BMCRE 440 · Cohen 451 Description: Obverse with laureate bust of Trajan facing right, with a fold of the cloak visible on the front shoulder and behind the neck; legend IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P. Reverse depicting Victory standing right, left foot resting on a helmet, inscribing DA / CI / CA on a shield set against a palm tree; legend SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI. The reverse commemorates Trajan’s victories in Dacia, with the inscription on the shield explicitly naming the conquered province. Historical context: This reverse type belongs to the celebratory coinage issued after the successful conclusion of the Dacian Wars. The title OPTIMO PRINCIPI (“to the best ruler”) reflects the exceptional esteem in which Trajan was held by the Senate and the Roman people. The type is rare within this emission and highlights the central importance of the Dacian victories to Trajan’s imperial image.