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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Nerva 7 (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Nerva 7 (denarius). Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Nerva. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Nerva, laureate, right, with the legend IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P COS II P P.

The reverse shows libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right hand and short sceptre, pointing up slightly to right, in left hand, with the legend LIBERTAS PVBLICA.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
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 ruled the Roman Empire from AD 96 to 98, assuming power at nearly 66 years of age following the assassination of Domitian on 18 September 96. Declared emperor by the Roman Senate, he had previously held consulships under Vespasian and Domitian. During his brief fifteen-month reign, he vowed to restore liberties curtailed under Domitian's autocratic rule, though his government faced financial difficulties and military revolts before his death on 27 January 98.

Struck at the Rome mint, this silver denarius was part of the standard Roman silver coinage in use from c. 211 BC into the third century AD. The reverse features Libertas holding a pileus and sceptre alongside the legend LIBERTAS PVBLICA, directly reflecting Nerva's imperial pledge to restore public liberties to Rome following the Flavian period. The obverse bears the emperor's laureate portrait with the inscription IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P COS II P P.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Nerva

Design

Obverse
Head of Nerva, laureate, right
Reverse
Libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right hand and short sceptre, pointing up slightly to right, in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P COS II P P
Reverse legend
LIBERTAS PVBLICA

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Nerva 7 (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P COS II P P
Reverse legend to match
LIBERTAS PVBLICA
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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