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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Pertinax 20

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Pertinax 20. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Pertinax. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Pertinax, laureate, right, with the legend IMP CAES P HELV PERTINAX AVG. The reverse shows ops, draped, seated left on throne, holding two corn-ears in right hand, with the legend OPI DIVIN TR P COS II S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
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 ruled as Roman emperor for the first three months of 193, following the assassination of Commodus, and was the first ruler of the Year of the Five Emperors. A former military commander and senator, he sought to restore imperial financial stability and military discipline during his 87-day reign before being killed by the Praetorian Guard.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this bronze sestertius features an obverse portrait of the emperor paired with the legend "IMP CAES P HELV PERTINAX AVG". In imperial Roman coinage, the sestertius served as a large denomination valued at one quarter of a denarius or two and a half asses, useful for commerce. The reverse depicts Ops draped and seated upon a throne holding two ears of corn, accompanied by the inscription "OPI DIVIN TR P COS II S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Pertinax

Design

Obverse
Head of Pertinax, laureate, right
Reverse
Ops, draped, seated left on throne, holding two corn-ears in right hand
Obverse legend
IMP CAES P HELV PERTINAX AVG
Reverse legend
OPI DIVIN TR P COS II S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Pertinax 20
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES P HELV PERTINAX AVG
Reverse legend to match
OPI DIVIN TR P COS II 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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