Nerva, 96-98 AD
AR Denarius, Rome 96 AD
Obverse: IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P, Laureate head to right.
Reverse: FORTVNA AVGVST, Fortuna standing to left, holding rudder and cornucopiae.
Reference: RIC 4; BMC 10.
Size: 18 mm. Weight: 3.54 g. Condition: VF, toned
Marcus Cocceius Nerva Caesar Augustus;[2] 8 November 30 – 27 January 98) was Roman emperor from 96 to 98.
Nerva became emperor when aged almost 66, after a lifetime of imperial service under Nero and the rulers of the
Flavian dynasty. Under Nero, he was a member of the imperial entourage and played a vital part in exposing the
Pisonian conspiracy of 65. Later, as a loyalist to the Flavians, he attained consulships in 71 and 90 during the reigns
of Vespasian and Domitian, respectively.
On 18 September 96, Domitian was assassinated in a palace conspiracy involving members of the Praetorian Guard and several of his freedmen. On the same day, Nerva was declared emperor by the Roman Senate, although it is possible they were approving a decision made by the Praetorian Guard, as rare coins show him speaking with this group. As the new ruler of the Roman Empire, he vowed to restore liberties which had been curtailed during the autocratic government of Domitian.
Nerva's brief reign was marred by financial difficulties and his inability to assert his authority over the Roman army. A revolt by the Praetorian Guard in October 97 essentially forced him to adopt an heir. After some deliberation Nerva adopted Trajan, a young and popular general, as his successor. After barely fifteen months in office, Nerva died of natural causes on 27 January 98. Upon his death he was succeeded and deified by Trajan.
Although much of his life remains obscure, Nerva was considered a wise and moderate emperor by ancient historians. Nerva's greatest success was his ability to ensure a peaceful transition of power after his death by selecting Trajan as his heir, thus founding the Nerva–Antonine dynasty.
FORTVNA AVGVST
The reverse of the coin from Emperor Nerva featuring the inscription "FORTVNA AVGVST" depicts Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune and luck. In this representation, Fortuna stands to the left, symbolizing prosperity and favorable outcomes for the emperor and the Roman state.
Fortuna is often shown holding two significant attributes: a rudder and a cornucopia. The rudder, a symbol of steering and guidance, represents the ability to navigate life's uncertainties and the control of fate. It emphasizes the belief that, despite the whims of fortune, there is a guiding hand (sometimes attributed to the gods or the emperor) helping to steer the direction of events.
The cornucopia, or "horn of plenty," signifies abundance, wealth, and nourishment. It reflects the Roman ideal of prosperity, linking Fortuna with bountiful harvests and the abundance necessary for the well-being of the people. Together, these symbols reinforce the connection between good fortune and the favorable rule of the emperor.
By featuring Fortuna on the reverse, Nerva sought to underscore his commitment to bringing stability and prosperity to the Roman Empire after a period of tumult. This imagery served to invoke the goddess's favor, suggesting that under Nerva’s leadership, the empire would thrive, and its citizens would enjoy a period of good fortune and abundance. Ultimately, the coin reflects the intertwining of divine favor and political legitimacy in ancient Roman society.
Reference : Sear
Source : http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.2.ner...
Collection : III The Adoptive Emperors