Trajan, Rome mint, 103-111 AD.,
Dupondius (ø 26-27,5 mm / 10,76 g), brass ("orichalcum"), axes about coin alignment ↑↓ (ca. 190°),
Obv.: [IMP CAES] NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P , his radiate head right.
Rev.: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI / S - C , trophy of Dacian arms, including tunic, helmet, round, oval and hexagonal shields, round and hexagonal shield at base.
RIC II, p. 285, no. 586 (rated common) ; Coh. 573 ; BMC 908 ; CBN 229 .
This type is part of a series commemorating Trajan’s victories over the Dacians, who he had vanquished now for a second time. The pile of arms displayed on the reverse is clearly identifiable as barbarian in origin. The Dacians were similarly equipped to contemporary Celtic tribes and Roman auxiliaries, and favoured shields that were flat or only slightly dished, usually oval but sometimes hexagonal in shape, and capable of covering most or all of the body for use in a wall of shields.