About this artwork
Obverse: Head of Nerva right, laureate
Reverse: Libertas, standing left, holding pileus and scepter
In A.D. 96 Emperor Domitian (r. A.D. 81–96) who fancied himself a god, was assassinated with the assent of his wife. To avert a succession battle, the Army and the Senate stepped in to choose the next ruler. From A.D. 96 to 180, Rome enjoyed a series of five wise leaders who were chosen for their merit and who came to be known as the “Good Emperors.” Nerva (r. A.D. 96–98; no. 1), an honest and respected senator, took the throne with the understanding that he would be succeeded by a popular general from Spain named Trajan (r. A.D. 98–117). Although Nerva ruled only two years, he enacted compassionate social programs and is considered the first of the Good Emperors. For the next 85 years each emperor would select from among the best possible candidates, adopting his chosen successor as his son.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 153
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Department
- Arts of the Ancient Mediterranean and Byzantium
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Culture
- Ancient Roman
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Title
- Aureus (Coin) Portraying Emperor Nerva
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Place
- Rome (Minted in)
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Date
- 97 CE
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Medium
- Gold
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Inscriptions
- Obverse: IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P Reverse: LIBERTAS PVBLICA
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Dimensions
- Diam.: 1.9 cm (3/4 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Martin A. Ryerson
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Reference Number
- 1922.4870
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/5630/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
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