The coins issued during the reign of Trajan included such denominations as quadrans, dupondius, as[⁴⁸], denarius[³²] and sestertius. Below there are two examples of coins with a detailed description about each of the pieces.

Denarius (AD 98 to 99)

The obverse[¹⁰⁸⁴] of this Roman coin features the head of Trajan, surrounded by the legend IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM. The coin's reverse[¹¹³⁹] depicts Vesta seated with patera in the right hand while the left hand holds a torch. The image is surrounded by the legend PONT MAX TR POT COS II.

Detailed description of the coin:

In Roman Empire Vesta was considered to be an important divinity, because people of Rome believed she was the goddess of hearth and fire. Due to the fact that Vesta was also a symbol of earth, her temple, erected in Rome, had a round shape and a fire that the Vestal Virgins kept burning.

The image of Vespa on this ancient sestertius alleges to the involvement of Roman Emperor Trajan in the religion of the state. The coin's obverse illustrates the Roman emperor wearing a laurel crown. Trajan's image is surrounded by a legend that reads IMPerator CAESar NERVA TRAIANus AVGustus GERManicus.

The goddess is shows on the reverse of this ancient Roman coin seated. She holds a patera, which symbolizes the resources brought in her honor and a torn that identifies Vespa as the goddess of the hearth. The image of the goddess is encircled by the legend PONTifex MAXimus TRibunicia POTestas COnSul II, which refers to the Roman emperor.

Sestertius (AD 114 to 117)

The obverse of this Roman coin shows the bust of Trajan draped, wearing laurel crown, surrounded by the legend that states IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P. The coin's reverse depicts Felicitas standing along with caduceus and cornucopia. The image is surrounded by the legend SENATVS POPVLVSQVE ROMANVS. There's SC to left and right in the field.

Detailed description of the coin:

This ancient Roman sestertius coin refers to honors granted to emperor Trajan to mark his great achievements. The coin's obverse illustrates the bust of Trajan draped. The emperor wears a laurel crown and his image is encircled by the legend that reads IMPeratori CAESari NERvae TRAIANO OPTIMO AVGusto GERmanico DACico Pontifici Maximo Tribunicia Potestate COnSuli VI Patri Patriae.

The reverse of the Roman coin depicts Felicitas (Happiness) standing and holding a caduceus and cornucopia. The former is a symbol of peace and the latter represents prosperity. In such a way the Roman mint states that happiness is a state where everyone enjoys peace and prosperity. In Roman Empire Felicitas represents the power that is able to bring happiness into the world and it is not really the feeling of happiness itself. Thus the rule of Trajan is promoted as the one that brought happiness to the Romans. The legend that surrounds the image states SENATVS POPVLVSQUE ROMANVS alleges to "the Senate and Roman People," both being responsible for granting honors upon Trajan. There's Senatus Consulto in the field.