Sale: CNG 78, Lot: 1763. Estimate $15000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 May 2008.  Sold For $13000. 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 958 corr. (plate shows COS II instead of COS III). Good VF, underlying luster.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 75 (23 May 2007), lot 1032.

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.