© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Cistophorus - Nerva COS IIII
98 year| Silver | 9.6 g | 26 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Nerva (Marcus Cocceius Nerva) (96-98) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 98 |
| Value | Cistophorus = 3 Drachms = 3 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 9.6 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#252565 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
A bundle of wheat-ears tied together.
Script: Latin
Lettering: COS IIII
Translation:
Consul Quartum.
Consul for the fourth time.
Comment
Mass varies: 9.46–9.69 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Cistophorus was a silver coin introduced by the Roman Emperor Nerva in 98 AD, and it was the first Roman coin to feature the image of a deceased emperor, with Nerva's predecessor, Domitian, appearing on the reverse. This coin was a significant departure from the traditional Roman coinage design, which typically featured images of the current emperor or gods and goddesses. The Cistophorus coin was minted in large quantities and was used to pay soldiers and civil servants, and it remained in circulation for over a century.
