Lustrous Nerva Aureus

Sale: CNG 75, Lot: 1032. Estimate $10000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2007.  Sold For $14000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Nerva. AD 96-98. AV Aureus (7.52 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 96. Laureate head right / Two clasped hands, holding aquila set on prow. RIC II 3; Calicó 957. Good VF, underlying luster.

Domitian’s assassination in AD 96 placed the elderly senator Nerva on the throne. He took an interest in the well-being of the populace and instituted a number of popular reforms: he released those imprisoned for treason, banned future prosecutions for treason, granted amnesty to many whom Domitian had exiled, restored much confiscated property, and involved the Roman Senate in his rule. His mild ways and refusal to execute the murderers of Domitian caused some disaffection within the military, among whom Domitian had enjoyed considerable popularity. This reverse type reflects Nerva’s recognition that he needed to placate the army and navy, whose support he eventually gained by adopting Trajan.