CVC & Collectables presents this fascinating AE As of Divus Augustus, struck during the reign of Emperor Nerva (AD 96–98) as part of his celebrated restoration coinage. Certified NGC VF, this bronze issue honors Rome’s first emperor more than 80 years after his death, demonstrating the lasting political and symbolic importance of Augustus to the Roman Empire. Restoration issues like this are highly collectible because they connect two important emperors while preserving the designs of Rome’s earliest Imperial coinage.
Coin Highlights
- Roman Empire
- Emperor Honored: Divus Augustus (27 BC–AD 14)
- Issuing Emperor: Nerva (AD 96–98)
- Date: Circa AD 96–98
- Denomination: AE As
- Composition: Bronze
- Weight: 10.81 grams
- Grade: NGC VF
- Reference: RIC II 130 (Nerva)
- BMCRE 161
- Cohen 567
Obverse:
The obverse features the bare head of the deified Augustus facing right with the legend:
Reverse:
The reverse displays a thunderbolt, the weapon of Jupiter, with S C (Senatus Consulto) below and the surrounding legend:
The thunderbolt symbolizes divine authority and the favor of Jupiter, while the restoration legend indicates that Nerva intentionally revived this classic design to honor Augustus and reinforce continuity with Rome’s greatest ruler.
Emperor History: Augustus (27 BC–AD 14)
Born Gaius Octavius, Augustus became Julius Caesar’s adopted heir and emerged victorious after defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. In 27 BC he received the title Augustus, becoming Rome’s first emperor and transforming the Republic into the Roman Empire.
His reign ushered in the Pax Romana, an era of unprecedented peace, economic growth, and monumental construction projects. Augustus reformed the military, taxation, provincial government, and civil administration, laying the foundation for centuries of imperial rule.
Following his death in AD 14, Augustus was officially deified by the Senate, and his image remained a symbol of legitimate imperial authority for generations. Even more than eighty years later, Nerva chose to honor him through restoration coinage, reflecting Augustus’ enduring prestige throughout the Roman world.
Collectibility
Restoration issues struck under Nerva are significantly scarcer than the original Julio-Claudian bronze coinage they commemorate. They appeal to collectors because they bridge two important eras of Roman history—the founding of the Empire under Augustus and the political renewal under Nerva.
This certified NGC VF example offers attractive originality, a historic restoration reverse, and an important connection between two emperors whose reigns helped define the future of Rome. It is an excellent addition to collections of Roman Imperial bronzes, Divus Augustus issues, or the celebrated Nerva restoration series.
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