Description
Publius Helvius Pertinax, Roman Emperor January to March 193 AD and the first of the ‘Year of the Five Emperors’, Silver Denarius (3.37g, 17mm), Rome mint 193 AD. Obverse: Laureate head of Pertinax facing to the right, legend surrounds, “IMP CΛES P HELV PERTIN ΛVG”. Reverse: Ops enthroned to the left, draped in stola and holds two corn ears aloft in right hand and rests left on throne, legend surrounds, “OPI DIVIN TR P COS II”. RIC-8a; RSC-33a; Sear-6045. A notably bold example far better then often seen for Pertinax, although seemingly a touch off centre all devices are clear and naming all present, the portrait bold, a very desirable example, good Very Fine, reverse less so.
The obverse Latin legend reads unabridged as “Imperātor Caesar Pūblius Helvius Pertinax Augustus”, stating the emperor’s regnal name in full. The reverse Latin legend reads “Opī dīvīnae, Tribūnīciā Potestās, cōnsulāritās secundum”, with an English translation of “of the divine assistance/help, invested with Tribunician power, honoured with the office of Consul for a second term”.