ITEM: Modern pendant with Trajan denarius MATERIAL: Silver CULTURE: Roman PERIOD: 2nd Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 19 mm diameter CONDITION: Good condition. Original coin within a modern handmade circular silver setting. PROVENANCE: Ex Belgian private collection, acquired in the 1990s (Coin) COIN DESCRIPTION: "Trajan (98-117) AR Denarius (Bronze, 3.04g, 18mm) Rome, 104-107 Obv: IMP TRAIANO AV GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right, drapery on left shoulder Rev: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Virtus standing right, holding spear, parazonium. Ref: RIC 204" Comes with Certificate of Authenticity. Marcus Ulpius Traianus, commonly known as Trajan, was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 98 to 117 CE and is celebrated as one of the "Five Good Emperors." Born in the province of Hispania Baetica (modern-day Spain) in 53 CE, he was the first Roman Emperor to hail from outside of Italy, marking a significant shift in imperial leadership. Trajan's career was rooted in the military, where his competence and popularity among the legions were undeniable. He was adopted and named as successor by the childless Emperor Nerva, securing a smooth transition of power upon Nerva's death. His rule began with a show of respect toward the Senate and a commitment to fair governance, immediately endearing him to both the Roman elite and the general populace. Trajan's reign saw the Roman Empire reach its maximum territorial extent through aggressive, yet strategic, military campaigns. His most famous conquests were the Dacian Wars (101–102 and 105–106 CE), which resulted in the annexation of Dacia (modern-day Romania), securing vast resources, particularly gold. These victories are immortalized in the intricate narrative reliefs spiraling around Trajan's Column in Rome. Following Dacia, he waged war against the Parthian Empire, adding Arabia, Armenia, and Mesopotamia to the empire's already immense territory, bringing the Roman borders to the Persian Gulf. This expansionist policy reversed the non-extension policy of previous emperors like Augustus, driven by Trajan's ambition and military prowess. Beyond military triumphs, Trajan is renowned for his extensive public works programs and social welfare initiatives. Funded largely by the spoils of the Dacian Wars, he commissioned massive building projects, including the magnificent Trajan's Forum and Trajan's Market in Rome, designed by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus. He also oversaw the construction of roads, bridges, and aqueducts across the empire. Notably, Trajan expanded the alimenta, a public fund established earlier, to provide financial support for poor children in Italian cities, showcasing his commitment to the welfare of his subjects. His just and efficient administration, combined with his monumental achievements, earned him the title Optimus Princeps ("The Best Ruler").