IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P, laureate head right / PAX AVG, S C in exergue, Pax seated left on throne, holding olive branch and sceptre. 33mm, 25.15 grams. Rome mint. Cohen 123.

Nerva (30–98 CE) was a senior Roman statesman who became emperor in 96 CE after the assassination of Domitian, initiating the era of the “Five Good Emperors.” Elderly and politically experienced, he focused on stabilizing the empire, restoring senatorial authority, easing harsh policies of the previous reign, and improving finances through moderate reforms. His brief rule faced a major crisis when the Praetorian Guard revolted, forcing him to adopt the popular general Trajan as heir - an act that secured the succession and strengthened imperial legitimacy. Nerva died in 98 CE after just sixteen months as emperor, remembered as a transitional ruler who restored stability and set the stage for a more successful period of Roman governance.