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RIC II Nerva 87

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Nerva 87. 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 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 S C.

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 served as Roman emperor between AD 96 and 98, taking office after the assassination of Domitian. Declared emperor by the Roman Senate following decades of imperial service under Nero and the Flavian emperors, Nerva pledged to restore civil liberties that had been curtailed under Domitian's autocratic rule. His brief reign lasted roughly fifteen months before his death in January 98.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze dupondius formed part of the Roman monetary system, in which the denomination was valued at two asses or half a sestertius. In accordance with conventions established during Nero's reign, the dupondius is distinguished by the radiate crown adorning Nerva's portrait. The reverse depiction of Libertas holding a pileus and sceptre, accompanied by the inscription "LIBERTAS PVBLICA S C", reflects Nerva's imperial programme of restoring public liberties. The obverse title "IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P" records his third consulship.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Dupondius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Nerva

Design

Obverse
Head of Nerva, radiate, 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 P M TR P COS III P P
Reverse legend
LIBERTAS PVBLICA S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Nerva 87
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
LIBERTAS PVBLICA 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 101

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

  • RIC II Nerva 65

    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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