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RIC II Nerva 81

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Nerva 81. Denomination: Dupondius. Authority: Nerva. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Nerva, radiate, right, with the legend IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P.

The reverse shows clasped hands holding aquila set on prow, left, with the legend CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM S C. The obverse shows head of Nerva, radiate, right, with the legend IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P. The reverse shows clasped hands holding aquila set on prow, left, with the legend CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
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, assuming office following the assassination of Domitian on 18 September 96. His brief reign of barely fifteen months was troubled by financial difficulties and challenges in asserting his authority over the Roman military, culminating in an October 97 revolt by the Praetorian Guard that compelled him to adopt Trajan as his successor before dying on 27 January 98.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze dupondius was an established denomination valued at two asses, equivalent to half a sestertius or one-eighth of a denarius. Under imperial practice dating from the reign of Nero in AD 66, the dupondius was distinguished from the similarly sized as by depicting the emperor wearing a radiate crown, as seen on the obverse alongside the legend "IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P". The reverse depicts clasped hands holding an aquila resting upon a prow, inscribed with the legend "CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Dupondius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Nerva

Design

Obverse
Head of Nerva, radiate, right
Reverse
Clasped hands holding aquila set on prow, left
Obverse legend
IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P
Reverse legend
CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Nerva 81
Denomination and metal
Dupondius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P
Reverse legend to match
CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM 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. 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 97

    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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