Nerva AE As, Rome AD 97, CONCORDIA MILITVVM clasped hands, SC, RIC II 79

Nerva, As, bronze, reign AD 96–98; struck at Rome AD 97; 10.8 g; 27 mm. Obv: IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P, laureate head right. Rev: CONCORDIA MILITVVM, S C in field; clasped hands at center. Struck at Rome on a broadly spread flan with centering that preserves most of the legends; even circulation wear on the highest relief. Reference: RIC II Nerva 79.

The type publicizes harmony with the army after the overthrow of Domitian in AD 96. The obverse legend with COS III dates the piece to Nerva’s third consulship in AD 97, when he sought to secure military support following unrest among the Praetorians; the reverse legend CONCORDIA MILITVVM and the handshake signify accord between emperor and soldiers, while S C marks senatorial authority over the bronze coinage.