Obverse: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P Laureate bust of Trajan facing right, drapery on far shoulder.

Reverse: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI; Arabia standing facing, holding branch and bundle of cinnamon sticks; camel at feet walking left; ARAB ADQ in ex.

RIC 245. BMCRE 474. RSC 26. [Rome, AD 112-113].

Diameter: 19 mm. Weight: 3.1 g.

A scarce and iconic silver denarius of Trajan - the reverse with a depiction of the personification of Arabia. The inscription ARAB(IA) ADQ(UISTA) meaning “Arabia Acquired” rather than “conquered”. After the death of the client king Rabel II Soter in 106 AD, Trajan faced practically no resistance and conquered the Nabataean kingdom through diplomacy rather than military force. It became the Roman province of Arabia Petraea, with Bosra becoming its provincial capital. A detailed and attractive example with complete legends, beautiful toning and a historically important reverse.