Digital museum showcasing the collection of worldwide legends over the years! 千古不朽博物館展示多年來收藏的世界傳奇故事!
Roman Empire
Phoenicia-Tyre
Trajan
Tetradrachm
羅馬帝國
腓尼基-泰爾
圖拉真
四德拉克馬
Item number: A1648
Year: AD 98-117
Material: Silver
Size: 24.2 x 22.3 x 4.0 mm
Weight: 14.15 g
Provenance: Coincraft 2017
This is a silver tetradrachm minted between AD 98 and AD 117 during the reign of Emperor Trajan of the Roman Empire. It was struck in Tyre, a major Phoenician port city located along the Mediterranean coast in present-day Lebanon.
The obverse of the coin features a right-facing, laureate portrait of Emperor Trajan. Below the portrait, a club—symbolising the attributes of the Roman deity Hercules—and an eagle are depicted as decorative elements. The surrounding inscription in Greek reads “AYTOKP KAIC NEP TPAIANOC CEB ΓERM ΔAK,” referring to Trajan’s early military achievements, particularly his title “Germanicus” (Victor over the Germans), which he earned following his campaigns in Germania.
The reverse of the coin features a right-facing portrait of Melqart, the patron deity of Tyre, draped in a lion skin, reflecting the city’s deep Phoenician cultural influences. In the Phoenician language, Melqart means “King of the City-State,” and the rulers of Tyre often claimed descent from him. The ancient Greek historian Herodotus identified Melqart with Heracles of Tyre. To the left of the portrait, the Greek inscription “ΔΗΜΑΡΧ” denotes “Tribunician Power”, while to the right, “EΞ YΠAT” signifies “Consular Authority.”
Trajan was one of the “Five Good Emperors” in Roman history, known for his extensive military campaigns that significantly expanded the territory of the Roman Empire. In recognition of his achievements, the Trajan’s Column was erected in Rome to commemorate his victories, and the Senate honoured him with the title of “Optimus Princeps” (the Most Excellent First Citizen).