AE Sestertius; 25.43 g, 33 mm, 6h, Rome mint late CE 116-117
RIC 667 (R), RCV 3191, Cohen 328, BMCRE 1046
O: laur, dr bust r., IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC PARTHICO PM TRP COS VI PP
R: Trajan std l on high platform accompanied by officer, placing diadem on the hd of Parthamaspates who kneels before him. REX PARTHIS DATVS SC
According to Sear’s note “This depicts the investiture of the Roman puppet Parthamaspates as king of Parthia in AD 116. He was to enjoy his position for only a brief period, as the Roman forces soon withdrew from Parthia and Trajan died the following year. In consolation the new emperor, Hadrian, bestowed on the dethroned monarch another kingdom, that of Osrhoene.” (RCV II, page 109)
Ex: Henry Platt Hall (1863-1949) Collection, Glendining Sale Part II (16-21 Nov 1950) portion lot 1310
Ex: Cornelius C. Vermeule III (1925-2008) Collection
Ex: BMFA collection deaccession, Triton III (30 Nov-1 Dec 1999), portion lot 1690
Ex: Rosenblum Rare Coins (CO) stock number 52594
According to the CNG Catalogue for MBS 50 (23-06-99) "It was during Dr. Vermeule's time in London that the majority of his Roman Imperial bronze collection was assembled. He attended many of the important auctions that were held in London during this period including the....Messenger...Henry Platt Hall and V.J.E. Ryan sales." (page 9)
I've been wanting a Trajan Sestertius for the last almost forty years since I saw an attractive example at a local coin shop when I was a kid. The price was $10, a steal for a reasonably well preserved Trajan Sestertius by today's standards. When I went back to the dealer's shop the Trajan was gone to my chagrin, one of the few regrets I've had in collecting over the years, though as a consolation my Dad z"l purchased me an attractive Antoninus Pius Sestertius (also for $10) though it wasn't the same it's still a cherished piece in my collection. Therefore, when I saw this piece I knew I had found my Trajan and with the bonus of a very nice provenance that made up for some of the condition issues.
