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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Pertinax 1A (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Pertinax 1A (denarius). Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Pertinax. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Pertinax, laureate, right, with the legend IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG.

The reverse shows aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand, with the legend AEQVIT AVG TR P COS II.

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

Pertinax served as Roman emperor for the first three months of 193, succeeding Commodus and becoming the first ruler of the Year of the Five Emperors. A senator and former military commander, he rose from modest origins as the son of a freedman. Upon taking power, he sought to restore military discipline and imperial financial stability, but his reforms alienated the Praetorian Guard, who killed him after 87 days.

This silver denarius was struck at the mint of Rome during Pertinax's brief reign. The denarius formed the standard Roman silver coin from around 211 BC until the reign of Gordian III. The coin bears the obverse inscription "IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG", naming the emperor, while the reverse depicts Aequitas holding scales and a cornucopiae, accompanied by the legend "AEQVIT AVG TR P COS II".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Pertinax

Design

Obverse
Head of Pertinax, laureate, right
Reverse
Aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG
Reverse legend
AEQVIT AVG TR P COS II

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Pertinax 1A (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG
Reverse legend to match
AEQVIT AVG TR P COS II
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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