Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Aulus Licinius Nerva

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Aulus Licinius Nerva in 47 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse depicts Fides, the goddess of Loyalty, identified by the legend 'FIDES' written downwards in front of her. The legend 'NERVA' behind identifies the moneyer, about whom nothing else is known.

The Romans needed coins for one main purpose - to pay the salaries of her huge military force - but also to pay the salaries of her officials and to fund public works. In the late Republic, aristocrats increasing used coins for luxuries and bribes.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-772-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15340
• Date: 47
  47 BC
  
• Material: Silver; slight wear. Inscription: Obv. Laureate head of Fides to right; behind, NERVA, downwards; in front, FIDES, downwards / Rev. Horseman riding to right, dragging naked warrior, who holds sword and shield; below, A . LICINIV; . III . behind horseman;
  Coin Type: Crawford 454/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.50 x 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 2.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 454/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: A. Licinius Nerva (Maker)
  Fides
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by A. Licinius Nerva, 47 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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