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Nerva. AD 96-98. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 23.29 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 97. Laureate head right / PLEBEI VRBAN[AE FRV]MENTO CONSTITVTO, S C across field, modius containing six wheat-ears and a poppy. RIC II 89; Banti 38. Dark green patina. VF. A scarce type.
From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. inventory cc32070.
In order to counteract the public discord engendered by Domitian’s assassination and secure his own position on the throne, Nerva embarked on implementing a number of reforms and methods of alleviating the distress of the citizens of Rome. One of these was the special distribution of grain (frumento constituto) to the populace (plebes urbanae) in addition to that which they were already receiving from the annona, a long-standing public institution that had been subsidizing handouts since the time of Augustus. By Nerva’s day, this regular distribution had become so important that any temporary cessation of the supply could result in urban riots. In order to show his good intentions toward the capital and its people and demonstrate that the grain would continue to flow in an unceasing supply, Nerva made this special distribution. The commemoration of the event on this coin further reminded everyone of the “good emperor” who now ruled.
Closing Date and Time: 18 January 2024 at 10:40:00 ET.
All winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer’s fee.
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