Lot 2362
Trajan, AD 98-117. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, AD 103-111. Laureate head right of Trajan. Reverse: The Circus Maximus, showing outer colonnade and partial view of the interior; in center, obelisk; metae at either end of the spina. RIC 571 [as Rare]; BMC 853. Fine with some Very Fine details.
There were numerous rulers who enlarged and rejuvenated this most ancient Roman site of chariot races - most importantly Julius Caesar, Vespasian, Antoninus Pius and Trajan, as shown on this rare sestertius. The Circus Maximus was also a popular type chosen for contorniates, which were gaming tokens prevalent in the AD fifth century. According to ancient historians, the number of spectators who could be accommodated was between 150,000 and 385,000, depending on the enlargement constructed during the particular reign.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,300.
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| Realized $949 |
