Nerva

An elderly senator chosen as a compromise candidate after Domitian's murder, Nerva stabilized the empire through moderation and the critical decision to adopt Trajan as his heir. His brief reign inaugurated the era of the adoptive emperors, often considered Rome's golden age.

Nerva's adoption of Trajan established the principle of adoptive succession that produced five consecutive capable emperors. This precedent of choosing the best man rather than the nearest relative defined the golden age of the second century.

Key Events

96 AD Chosen as emperor by the Senate following Domitian's assassination

96 AD Recalled political exiles and ended treason trials

97 AD Praetorian Guard mutiny forced Nerva to surrender Domitian's assassins

97 AD Adopted Trajan, the popular military commander, as successor

98 AD Died of natural causes, succeeded peacefully by Trajan

Coinage

Nerva's coinage is relatively scarce due to his short reign. His types emphasize legitimacy and senatorial harmony, with the clasped hands motif and libertas types being the most characteristic issues.

Denominations

Aureus Denarius Sestertius Dupondius As

Notable Types

Clasped hands denarius (CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM)
FISCI IVDAICI CALVMNIA SVBLATA types
Vehiculatione Italiae remissa types

Common Reverses

CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM LIBERTAS PVBLICA FORTVNA AVGVST IVSTITIA AVGVST FISCI IVDAICI CALVMNIA SVBLATA

Active Mints

Rome

Key Events

Coinage

Further Reading