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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Nerva 56

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Nerva 56. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Nerva. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Nerva, laureate, right, with the legend IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P.

The reverse shows nerva seated right on curule chair on platform; before him officer seated right distributing dole to a citizen; statues of Minerva and Liberalitas in background, with the legend CONGIAR P R S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
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 served as Roman emperor from AD 96 to 98, following the assassination of Domitian on 18 September 96. Declared emperor by the Roman Senate at nearly sixty-six years of age, he had previously held consulships under the Flavian dynasty in 71 and 90. His brief reign of barely fifteen months ended with his death on 27 January 98, after which he was succeeded and deified by Trajan.

This bronze sestertius was produced at the mint of Rome. In imperial Roman coinage, the sestertius served as a major circulating denomination, valued at one quarter of a denarius or two and a half asses. The obverse bears the emperor's titles as consul for the second time, reading "IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P". The reverse, inscribed "CONGIAR P R S C", portrays Nerva seated on a platform while an officer distributes a dole to a citizen, set before statues of Minerva and Liberalitas.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Nerva

Design

Obverse
Head of Nerva, laureate, right
Reverse
Nerva seated right on curule chair on platform; before him officer seated right distributing dole to a citizen; statues of Minerva and Liberalitas in background
Obverse legend
IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P
Reverse legend
CONGIAR P R S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Nerva 56
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P
Reverse legend to match
CONGIAR P R S C
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

Varieties

  • RIC II Nerva 71

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

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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