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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Nerva 120

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Nerva 120. Denomination: Cistophorus. Authority: Nerva. Mint: Uncertain value. The obverse shows head of Nerva, laureate, right, with the legend IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR POT P P. The reverse shows a bundle of wheat-ears tied together, with the legend COS III.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Nerva became Roman emperor on 18 September 96, declared by the Roman Senate after the assassination of Domitian. Having served under Nero and the Flavian emperors, he took office at almost sixty-six years of age. His brief reign lasted barely fifteen months, during which he vowed to restore liberties curtailed under Domitian, before dying of natural causes on 27 January 98.

This silver cistophorus features the obverse legend "IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR POT P P" alongside a laureate portrait of the emperor, while the reverse depicts a bundle of wheat-ears tied together with the legend "COS III". Long after the Attalid kingdom was bequeathed to Rome, the Romans continued to mint and circulate cistophori with altered coin types and legends down to the time of Septimius Severus.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Cistophorus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Uncertain value
Authority
Nerva

Design

Obverse
Head of Nerva, laureate, right
Reverse
A bundle of wheat-ears tied together
Obverse legend
IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR POT P P
Reverse legend
COS III

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Nerva 120
Denomination and metal
Cistophorus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR POT P P
Reverse legend to match
COS III
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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