Nerva. A.D. 96-98. AR denarius. 3.57 gm. 18 mm. Rome mint. Struck A.D. 97. His laureate head right; IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR POT / Priestly emblems: simpulum, aspergillum, guttus, and lituus; COS III PATER PATRIAE. RIC II 24. RSC 48. Near Extremely Fine; iridescent toning; a few old marks on obverse. Dramatic obverse with a die break that makes it appear as if Nerva has "flaming hair" (a style seen 16 centuries later on a William III 4th bust shilling).

From an old U.S. collection assembled in the early 20th century. What was available then is remarkably different than now, as this gorgeous piece clearly demonstrates.