PESCENNIUS NIGER (193-194). Denarius. Antioch.

Obv: IMP CAES C PESC NIGER IVT AV.
Laureate head right.
Rev: IOVI PRAE.
Jupiter seated left on throne, holding sceptre and victory.

RIC -; RSC -; Nomos 35, lot 708 (same dies).

Pescennius Niger came from a family of equestrian rank, probably from Aquinum. He joined the Senate in 180, was suffect consul, and in 183 fought against the barbarians in Dacia. In 188, Emperor Commodus sent him to Gaul against the bands of deserters commanded by Maternus, then entrusted him with the government of Syria. On hearing of the death of Commodus and then Pertinax, Pescennius had himself proclaimed emperor in Antioch (April 193). In fact, it seems that the Roman people had acclaimed him during the brief principality of Didius Julianus, considered by them to be the murderer of Pertinax, during the games in the Circus Maximus. He obtained recognition from the provinces of Asia Minor, the East, Egypt, and the king of the Parthians, while Armenia remained neutral. Meanwhile, in the West, power was seized by Septimius Severus, who was recognized by the Senate. Pescennius, with nine legions, undertook to defend Asia and went to Byzantium, which supported him. Here he was besieged by Septimius' troops, commanded by L. Marius Maximus Perpetuus. Septimius' army also obtained important victories at Cyzicus and Nicaea. This cost Pescennius the loss of Asia Minor and Egypt, also giving rise to rebellions in Arabia, Syria, and Palestine. The decisive battle took place at Issus, where Pescennius was severely defeated and forced to flee to Antioch, from where he tried to reach the king of the Parthians, but was killed in 194. The coins of Pescennius Niger have always been among the most desired by collectors, as evidenced by numerous accounts dating back to the 17th century, which considered his issues to be among the rarest and most prized.

Condition: Uncirculated.

Weight: 3.37 g.
Diameter: 18 mm.