Ancient Rome - 96-98 CE Nerva AR Tetradrachm NGC Choice AU Fine Style
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Product Description Nerva (Marcus Cocceius Nerva Caesar Augustus), 8 November 30--27 January 98, served as Roman Emperor from 96 to 98. After many years of imperial service under Nero and rulers of the Flavian dynasty, he became emperor at age 65. A member of the imperial entourage under Nero, Nerva played an important role in exposing the Pisonian conspiracy of 65. He later served consulships in 71 and 90, during the reigns of Vespasian anda Domitian, respectively. It was on 18 September 96 that Domatian was murdered in a palace plot that involved praetorian guardsmen and several of his freedmen. That same day the Roman Senate declared Nerva emperor, which was the first time that the Senate elected a Roman emperor. Nerva promised to restore liberties that had been taken away during Domitian's autocratic rule. His short reign was marked by financial problems and a failure to maintain his authority over the Roman army. Nerva was more than likely a reluctant emperor, accepting the role of successor to Domitian from the conspirators in order to save his own neck. Nerva was an old man by Roman standards when he took power. Historians tell us that he was frail and often ill, tending to throw up his meals and drink too much wine. A kindly and amiable ruler, he was perhaps the only Roman emperor who could honestly make this famous claim: "I have done nothing as emperor that would prevent me laying down the imperial office and returning to private life in safety." Nerva's policies were put in place to increase his popularity, and were also good government. Storehouses were built for grain and aqueducts were repaired and maintained properly. Nerva took an oath not to execute any senators, even when Calpurnius Crassus was found guilty of conspiracy against him. Exemptions from inheritance taxes were granted, and land was given to the poor. However Nerva was not popular with the army, who were still loyal to the late autocrat, Domitian. Relations with the military reached a crisis in the summer of 97. Nerva replaced the praetorian prefects, Petronius and Parthenius, who had taken part in Domitian's assassination. For some reason, Casperius Aelianus, who was a supporter of Domitian, had been put in charge of the guards. Thus the praetorian guard mutinied against Nerva, demanding that Petronius and Parthenius be handed over to them to be executed. Nerva was imprisoned in the palace. The emperor resisted their demands, even baring his own throat to the guardsmen. But they seized their victims and murdered them, Petronius with a single sword blow, and Parthenius with brutal torture before having his throat slit. Afterwards, Nerva was forced to publicly thank the praetorians for the executions. Nerva was left with no authority after this incident, and made a brilliant political move to save his position. Since Nerva was childless, he decided to adopt a popular heir to secure his rule. Therefore Nerva chose the governor of Upper Germany, Trajan, who enjoyed great respect and support among the army and the senate. He seemed to embody everything that Rome sought in an emperor. Nerva had a fit of anger and then began sweating profusely. Then he developed a fever and died shortly thereafter. Product Specification More Information Grading Service NGC
Grade AU55
Ancient Year Range 1-100 AD
Denom Type Ancient
Numeric Denomination Tetradrachm
Mint Location NONE
Designation NONE
Circ/UnCirc Circulated
Strike Type Business
Holder Variety Strike 5/5; Surface 4/5 struck in Fine Style
Grade Add On NONE
Holder Type N/A