Lot 3433

Description

Trajan, (A.D. 98-117), AE sestertius, 32mm, (24.79 g), Rome mint, struck 112-115, obv. Laureate and partial draped bust to right, arround much of IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, rev. around S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S C and BASILICA VLPIA in exergue, the Basilica Ulpia, the building facade with three distyle avant-corps, each set on two-tiered base, central epistylon surmounted by triumphal quadriga, figures on either side holding outer horses and long sceptres, flanking epistyla each surmounted by biga with a pair of legionary aquilae at outer ends, ornate architrave above, (cf.S.3085 [aureus], RIC II 617, Banti 36, BMC 982, C.44, CBN 713). Fine/very fine, bronze with remains of dark hoard patina, a very fine example of the Basilica Ulpia showing much detail, a very rare coin type that Banti lists for only five examples.

Ex Baldwin's London through Christie's Auction in London 1973.

A major element of Trajan's Forum, the Basilica Ulpia was an oblong building that stood perpendicular to the central axis of the Forum and divided the large open area with the equestrian statue of Trajan at its center from the Greek and Latin libraries flanking Trajan's Column behind. Constructed in two stories, and richly endowed with marbles from across the empire, the Basilica was a place not only where daily business was transacted, but demonstrated the extent of Rome's power and prestige. The building was dedicated by the emperor in 112 A.D.