© The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
© The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
Denarius - Pescennius Niger BONAE SPEI; Spes
| Silver | 2.6 g | - |
| Issuer | Usurpations of Syria (Roman Imperial usurpations) |
|---|---|
| Ruling authority | Pescennius Niger (193-194) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 193-194 |
| Value | Denarius (1) |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.6 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#271210 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Spes, draped, advancing left, holding up flower in right hand and raising skirt with left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: BONAE SPEI
Translation:
Bonae Spei.
To good hope.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.25–2.993 g;Example of this type:
The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Denarius coin featuring Pescennius Niger (BONAE SPEI; Spes) was issued during a time of political turmoil in the Roman Empire, specifically during the Usurpations of Syria. This period saw several rival claimants to the throne, and Pescennius Niger was one of them. Despite his attempt to overthrow the legitimate emperor, Septimius Severus, Niger's rebellion ultimately failed, and he was killed in 194 AD. The coin bearing his image and name is a rare surviving artifact from this tumultuous period in Roman history.
