The Danubian Bridge

239, Lot: 530. Estimate $300. Sold for $380. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 18.89 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 104-107. Laureate bust right, slight drapery / Arched, single-span bridge with six posts across Danube River; single-bay arches at either end, surmounted by statues; boat sailing left in river below. RIC II 569. Fine, glossy, flaking green patina.

This reverse is thought to represent a bridge over the Danube constructed under the direction of Apollodorus of Damascus, Trajan’s master engineer, who also designed the emperor’s famous forum.