A.D. 193 Pertinax Silver Denarius, Very Fine Plus

Pertinax, pictured on this museum-quality silver Denarius, was the son of a freedman. He started his career teaching, and then switched to military service. On his own merits, Pertinax attained the empire's highest offices. But a coup that resulted in Commodus' murder (which he probably knew about) led to him becoming emperor. He immediately set out to reform what had become a corrupt government, but others in high positions were less principled and schemed against him. In the end, a slight perceived by an elite unit of the military was his undoing. The praetorian guards were still seething that they hadn't been involved in selecting Commodus' successor. They assassinated him after he had ruled a mere 86 days. Realizing its loss, the Senate later deified him. This artistic coin, hand struck over 1,800 years ago, is a pleasure to view. The reverse shows an elegant allegorical figure of Providence. She is reaching toward a star that represents Pertinax being sent to Earth through the wisdom of the gods. This silver Denarius will be the star of your collection.