Trajan (98-117). Sesterce 103, Rome. NGC AU* 5/5 4/5 Fine style flan flaws (6645988-007).
Av. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P. Laurel bust right.
Rv. S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI / S C. View of the Circus Maximus in Rome.
RIC.571 - Hill 581 - Woytek 175a.5 = this specimen; Oriharukon - 25.74 g - 33.5 mm - 6 h
From Numismatica Fine Arts XII, March 23 & 24, 1983, no. 249; Numismatica Ars Classica 10, April 9, 1997, no. 621; Numismatica Ars Classica 18, March 29, 2000, no. 507.
NGC AU* 5/5 4/5 Fine style flan flaws (6645988-007).
Minimal concretions on reverse. The field barely burst, under the vigorous strike, at 3 o'clock. Beautiful brown patina and relief, both on the bust and reverse. Rare. Superb.
The Circus Maximus had burned down in 80. Trajan set about restoring it. The reverse shows the parts restored under his reign: from the Forum Boarium, you can see the long row of arches (the Duodecim Portae), the central spina with the obelisk of Ramses II in the center and the Metae at both ends, as well as the sanctuary of Sol in the center.
