ROMAN IMPERIAL. Nerva (AD 96-98). AR Denarius (18mm, 3.75 gm, 6h). NGC VF 5/5 - 4/5.

Rome, AD 97. IMP NERVA CAES AVG-P M TR P COS III P P, laureate head of Nerva right / LIBERTAS-PVBLICA, Libertas standing facing, head left, pileus in outstretched right hand, transverse scepter in left. RIC II 19.

An elderly senator from a venerable family, Marcus Cocceius Nerva was elected as emperor by the Senate in the immediate aftermath of Domitian's assassination. Known for his adaptability, Nerva had served various regimes with equal fervor and competence. Upon ascending to the throne, he pledged to end Domitian's treason trials and restore constitutional government, yet his easygoing rule and lack of military ties led to tension with the Roman army. Throughout his brief reign, Nerva was forced to make gestures indicating his support for his soldiers and generals. Ultimately, in October AD 97, the Praetorians stormed the palace and forced him to hand over Domitian's killers. This humiliation led Nerva to make his most significant decision: he adopted the popular general M. Ulpius Trajanus as his son and successor. This move, along with the adoption, instantly quelled military unrest and ensured a smooth transition of power upon Nerva's death four months later.