Roman imperial As of Emperor Nerva

Roman imperial As of Emperor Nerva, struck in bronze at the Rome mint between AD 96 and 98 during his brief reign. 11.35 g and diameter 27 mm. Obverse legend IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P surrounds a laureate head facing right, rendered in high relief with fine hair detail. The reverse bears CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM above clasped right hands, with S C in the field, signalling senatorial authority. Medium brown patina with occasional green undertones; strike  bold at centres, softer on extremities. Reference: RIC II Nerva 79.

Issued at the opening of Nerva's reign, the type proclaims Concordia of the Armies, a message aimed at securing loyalty after the violent death of Domitian and averting military unrest. The clasped hands symbolise reconciliation between emperor and soldiers, anticipating the smooth succession to Trajan and setting the tone for the adoptive system that followed.