Watch List notes:

The Roman Empire
Pertinax, 192 – 193. Aureus, Roma 1st January-28th March 193, AV 7.18 g.

Description: IMP CAES P HELV – PERTIN AVG Laureate head r. Rev. PROVID – DEOR COS II Providentia standing l., raising r. hand toward star in upper l. field, and resting l. on breast.

References: C 42
BMC 11. (these dies)
RIC 11a
Woodward NC 1957, pl. 10, 11
Calicó 2389a (different portrait style)
Condition:Rare and among the finest specimens known. A magnificent portrait of superb style, work of a skilled engraver. A simply perfect Fdc
Provenance: Heritage sale 3032, 2014, 23614
The Lexington collection of Jonathan K. Kern

Note: A self-made man who rose to prominence through dedication and talent, Pertinax's career was illustrious. His father was a former slave and merchant whose wealth bought Pertinax a good education. Pertinax began his adult life as a teacher, but afterwards he embarked on a military career. He rose through the ranks serving in Parthia, Britain and Noricum, and he subsequently served as governor of several provinces. In 189 the emperor Commodus appointed him prefect of Rome, and he was still serving in that capacity when Commodus was assassinated on New Year's Eve, 192. Though Pertinax has often been portrayed as an unimpeachable moralist, he was more likely an opportunist who was intimately involved in the plot against Commodus. After his accession, Pertinax may have viewed himself as a benevolent dictator, but the praetorians nonetheless murdered him after a reign of just eighty-six days.