After the assassination of Domitian, something happened in the Roman empire which I find peculiar and very interesting. The succession of the throne went to a respectable consul and laywer, but the power transfer was accompanied without any bloodshed or civil war! Nerva however was not particularly popular with the Praetorian guard. Faced with this opposition, Nerva decided to adopt the popular governor of Upper Germany, Trajan, thereby not only securing the protection of the army, but als setting the base for the perhaps most prosperous era of the Roman empire: the age of the adoptive emperors. Nerva set about policies to relieve the financial burdens placed on the citizens by the excesses of Domitian. Several coins were struck to commemorate these policies, such as the distribution of free grain in Rome, and the abolisment of the special tax imposed on the Jews to support the financial costs of the reconstruction of the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus. Another such policy is displayed on my sestertius below. The reverse refers to the imperial postal system and its burden on the cititzens, which were obliged to cede animals, carts and provisions to officials, contractors and so on, for the delivering of imperial post. In theory, the citizens were to be compensated, but in practice - especially under the reign of Domitian - fraud was abundant. (Compare FedEx seizing your car in Italy, to be able to deliver a message to Germany! And don't expext a car in return!) Nerva assured that the costs of the governments' communication network was taken care of by the government, which is symbolized on the reverse of this sestertius by two mules peacefully grazing about, and a cart on the background which is out of operation. This is also what attracted me to this coin: the combination of powerfull propaganda and a very pleasing design. A small personal note: I've been unable to indulge myself into coining these last weeks and really wish I could have been more supportive of all the lovely top-10 (or 5) lists that have been posted so far. However, not only has work been very busy for me and my wife, also the covid-situation means that our kids are more in and around the house and the combination of work and the home situation has been quite stressful. However, I've decided to set my priorities, and consciously enjoy spending more and more time with the kids and give them all the attention they need and deserve. Despite the setbacks, I do believe we are able to find the positives in this situation, and set our minds to it. Stay healthy, enjoy life!
I have always liked this reverse type of Nerva. I'm so happy you were able to acquire an example with such eye-appeal!
