Roman Empire, Pertinax (AD 193), AR Denarius, IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG,

Description

**Roman Empire, Pertinax (AD 193)**
**AR Denarius**

**Obverse:**
– **Legend:** IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG
– **Design:** Laureate head of Pertinax facing right.
– **Details:** The obverse features a portrait of Pertinax, who was Roman Emperor for a brief period in AD 193. The legend stands for “Imperator Caesar Publius Helvius Pertinax Augustus,” highlighting his authority as emperor.

**Reverse:**
– **Legend:** OPI DIVIN TR P COS II
– **Design:** Ops, the Roman goddess of plenty, is depicted seated to the left, holding two grain ears in one hand and resting her other hand on the seat of her chair.
– **Details:** The reverse design symbolizes the abundance and prosperity that Ops represents. The title “TR P COS II” refers to Pertinax holding the tribunician power (TR P) and his second consulship (COS II), indicating the official positions he held during his brief reign.

**Condition:**
– **Weight:** 2.92g
– **Characteristics:** The portrait on the obverse is softened due to wear, but the coin remains well-centered, with the key features and legends still visible, grading as fine.

**Historical Context:**
Pertinax became emperor after the assassination of Commodus, marking the beginning of the tumultuous Year of the Five Emperors. He attempted to restore discipline within the Praetorian Guard and reform the administration, but his efforts to curb the excesses of his predecessor made him unpopular among the guards. Pertinax was assassinated after just 87 days in power, leading to the auctioning of the imperial title, which was eventually bought by Didius Julianus. Coins issued during Pertinax’s short reign are relatively scarce and are valued for their historical significance.