ROMAN. Nerva. A.D. 96-98. Silver Denarius (3.32g). Rome mint. Struck A.D. 97. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR POT, laureate head right / COS III PATER PATRIAE, priestly emblems: simpulum, aspergillum, guttus and lituus. RIC II 24; RSC 48; BMCRE 31; BN 24. A very attractive deep old cabinet toning with golden lustre around the devices. gVF. This denarius was struck when Nerva was carefully rebuilding trust in Rome after the terror of Domitian's rule. By pairing his dignified portrait with the quiet line of priestly tools on the reverse, the coin itself works as a small promise that his power would be guided by tradition, religion and lawful authority rather than fear.

Estimate: AUD 1000