TRAJAN. Æ Dupondius. Rome, circa 103-106 AD

Obv. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V PP Radiated head right
Rev. SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI SC Trajan galloping r. and trusting spear at fallen Dacian in front of horse.

RIC 545 var.; C. 503

Suspicious of Decebalus and eager to bring Dacia under Roman control, Trajan invaded the territory in 101 AD. After a hard-fought campaign, imposed a harsh treaty on Decebalus while stationing legionary garrisons there. In 105 AD a second war ensued, prompted by the king’s infractions of the treaty. The Romans quickly captured the Dacian capital and in 106 AD Decebalus, hunted down, committed suicide rather than risk capture.[CNG]

Ex. Malter auction 21 Nov 2005