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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Pescennius Niger 68

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Pescennius Niger 68. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Pescennius Niger. Mint: Antioch, Syria. The obverse shows head of Pescennius Niger, laureate, right, with the legend IMP CAES PESCE NIGER IVST.

The reverse shows pescennius Niger, veiled, togate, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over altar, with the legend PIETATI AVG.

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

Pescennius Niger was a Roman usurper who claimed the imperial throne from 193 to 194 during the Year of the Five Emperors. His bid for power arose in response to the murder of Pertinax and the elevation of Didius Julianus. His revolt was based in the east, but he was ultimately defeated by rival claimant Septimius Severus and killed while attempting to flee from Antioch.

This silver denarius was struck at the mint of Antioch in Syria, which served as Niger's base during his brief contest for the empire. The denomination was the standard Roman silver coin, originally introduced during the Second Punic War. The coin carries the obverse legend "IMP CAES PESCE NIGER IVST" alongside his laureate portrait. Its reverse, inscribed "PIETATI AVG", depicts the ruler himself, veiled and wearing a toga, sacrificing over an altar with a patera held in his right hand.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Antioch, Syria
Authority
Pescennius Niger

Design

Obverse
Head of Pescennius Niger, laureate, right
Reverse
Pescennius Niger, veiled, togate, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over altar
Obverse legend
IMP CAES PESCE NIGER IVST
Reverse legend
PIETATI AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Pescennius Niger 68
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES PESCE NIGER IVST
Reverse legend to match
PIETATI AVG
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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