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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II Nerva 89

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II Nerva 89. 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 III P P.

The reverse shows modius standing on three short legs, containing poppy between six corn-ears, three to right, three to left, with the legend PLEBEI VRBANAE FRVMENTO CONSTITVTO 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 ruled the Roman Empire from AD 96 until his death on 27 January 98, having been declared emperor by the Roman Senate following the assassination of Domitian on 18 September 96. His brief reign of barely fifteen months was characterised by financial difficulties, trouble with the Roman army, and an effort to restore liberties curtailed under Domitian, before he adopted Trajan as his successor in October 97.

Produced at the mint of Rome, this bronze sestertius features an obverse portrait of the emperor with the titles "IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P". During the Roman Empire, the sestertius was a large coin denomination. The reverse design depicts a modius standing on three short legs, filled with a poppy and six corn-ears, accompanied by the inscription "PLEBEI VRBANAE FRVMENTO CONSTITVTO S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Nerva

Design

Obverse
Head of Nerva, laureate, right
Reverse
Modius standing on three short legs, containing poppy between six corn-ears, three to right, three to left
Obverse legend
IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P
Reverse legend
PLEBEI VRBANAE FRVMENTO CONSTITVTO S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC II Nerva 89
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P
Reverse legend to match
PLEBEI VRBANAE FRVMENTO CONSTITVTO 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

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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