EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (35mm, 17.92 g, 12h). Dated RY 18 (AD 114/5). Good VF.

Triton XXIX
Lot: 549. Estimated: $ 750

The Beniak Collection of Alexandrian Coinage, Bronze, Coin-in-Hand Video

Sold For $ 2 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (35mm, 17.92 g, 12h). Dated RY 18 (AD 114/5). AVT TPAIAN CЄB ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate heroic bust right, seen from the front, drapery on left shoulder / Trajan, laureate and in military dress, seated left on curule chair, holding Nike in outstretched right hand and scepter in left; to left, Armenian captive kneeling right at base of trophy of arms; L IH (date) above. Köln 675 var. (bust); Dattari (Savio) 719; K&G 27.597; RPC III 4830.1 corr. (bust type; this coin); Emmett 457.18. Red-brown surfaces with green, edge flaws. Good VF.

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Triton VI (14 January 2003), lot 585; Classical Numismatic Group 41 (19 March 1997), lot 1119; Auktionshaus Wendt (Numismatica) 13 (9 November 1976), lot 778.

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 AD 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 AD 116. Although short-lived, these victories were celebrated on much of Trajan's later coinage.

The final winners of all Triton XXIX lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 13-14 January 2026.

Triton XXIX – Session Two – Lot 302-613 will be held Tuesday afternoon, 13 January 2026 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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