Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Nerva

Add to album

This silver coin was minted in Rome by the emperor Nerva in 97 AD. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse has the head of the emperor wearing a laurel wreath, facing to the right. Around him is the inscription 'IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR POT II' which identifies Nerva and abbreviates many of his titles.

The foundation of the Roman imperial coinage system was the denarius. Alongside this there was a limited gold series, based on the aureus, and a base metal series based on the sestertius. A denarius was of high value, equivalent to a soldier's daily wage.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-180-001-669-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1932.479
• Date: 97
  Minted in 97 AD
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR POT II; head of Nerva, laureate, r. / Rev. COS III PATER PATRIAE; simpulum, sprinkler, ewer and lituus
  Coin Type: RIC 34
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC 34
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Nerva
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Nerva, Rome, 97
  
• References:
  • Mattingly, Harold and Sydenham, Edward A. The Roman Imperial Coinage. Vol. II. Vespasian to Hadrian. London: Spink & Son, Ltd, 1926. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: