Trajan Denarius Portrait Upgrade - Conquest Of Arabia

Just got back from vacation to a very large and fun package waiting for me, all the way from Austria. Lots of coins to sell, but of course there were a few I wanted for me I'll try to post the post-worthy coins here as I finish my research and get ready for future sales.


IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate bust right
SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Arabia standing front, head left, holding branch, camel at her feet, ARAB ADQ in ex.
Minted 112
RIC 245



I never formally studied Latin, so I don't really know what the ADQ stands for, but I assume this coin to reference Trajan's conquest/annexation/subjugation of a good part of Arabia, most notably Nabatea which controlled the city of Petra, as well as critical trade routes across the Arabian peninsula. They had been unconquerable by virtue of being able to pack up and abandon their settlements on first signs of a superior invasion force, waiting in the desert until the supply lines became strained and the invaders forced to withdraw. It's not fully understood how Trajan managed to convert Nabatea into a province, but he may have capitalized on good diplomacy when the final king Rabbel II died without an heir.

While there were plenty of other Trajans in the lots, this one in particular stood out for its incredible obverse texture (not flashy, but with a subtle, milky luster), plus a super portrait of my favorite style, and a generous flan with full, clear lettering.

Feel free to chime in with any similar coins, comments, or questions!