The 19th-century British numismatist Edward Wigan was a well-known owner of a large collection of coins from the ancient world, from ancient Europe to Bactria. Many specimens have been examined and carefully described, in particular, Frederick William Madden wrote about his Hebrew coins in his book A History of Jewish Coinage (1864). Wigan constantly met and communicated with other numismatists, thanks to whom he significantly expanded his own collection, and in 1864 he made a large gift to the British Museum, transferring several hundred Roman coins. After the death of the collector, the remaining coins were bought by the auction house Rollin & Feuardent.
Wigan paid special attention to the aureus. In his collection were aurei with profiles of Vespasian, Caracalla, Diocletian, Septimius Severus and other rulers of Rome. Among them were the coins of Trajan, minted at the beginning of the 2nd century. Trajan was emperor from 98 to 117. Under him, the size of the empire reached its maximum in the entire history of existence. Trajan became one of the five good emperors - the five Roman rulers who cared about stability in the country. He quickly gained popularity and was awarded the honorary title optimus for his services, which translates from Latin as "the best". This word was added to the legend on coins in 105. The title was obtained thanks to the active charitable work of Trajan.
Some aurei contain two images of Trajan. On one gold coin, in addition to the classic profile on the obverse, you can see the image of the ruler in full growth on the reverse. In his right hand he holds a branch, and in his left a scepter. The issue of such aureus was dedicated to the triumphant victory that Trajan won in 102 in the First Dacian War. On the reverse of another aureus, also associated with military themes, Trajan, with a spear in his right hand, is seated on a horse surrounded by soldiers. You can replenish your own collection of coins with rarities purchased on
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