The Nerva This Guy: The Coin As Portrait Art

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Author	Replies: 6 / Views: 932
circusmax120 Valued Member United States 319 Posts	Posted 02/10/2022 11:43 am This nice dupondius is a great example of a coin that exhibits characteristics that make it "speak to me". The potrait, first and foremost, speaks volumes, but there is much to be said for the composition (orichalcum) and the reddish-brown patina. Even the jagged crack is appealing! A good-size coin, allowing for strong details and realistic depiction of Nerva. I am especially drawn to the subtle suggestions at the brow, and the fleshy nuances of the mouth. So very difficult to capture in tiny relief. The masterful skills of the ancient die-cutter are on full display! So very sad that the names of these craftsman are lost to time. Report this Post to the Staff

Novicius Pillar of the Community United Kingdom 1168 Posts	Posted 02/10/2022 9:14 pm Quote: The masterful skills of the ancient die-cutter are on full display! So very sad that the names of these craftsman are lost to time. The skill of these ancient die cutters never ceases to amaze me. It is a very strong portrait. Report this Post to the Staff
circusmax120 Valued Member United States 319 Posts	Posted 02/11/2022 10:28 am Couldn't agree with you more, Novicius. The portrait is exceptional. The coin is not "perfect" in terms of aesthetics, but is speaks well to the art and craftsmanship of the ancient minting process. It's an impressive beauty, to be sure! Report this Post to the Staff
circusmax120 Valued Member United States 319 Posts	Posted 02/17/2022 2:53 pm Again, I was remiss in not including the reverse of this splendid Nerva. So here, it is rectified. LIBERTAS standing, holding a pileus and scepter. The composition of the coin is interesting: orichalcum, a gold-colored bronze alloy. Report this Post to the Staff
Palouche Pillar of the Community Spain 2752 Posts	Posted 02/19/2022 11:46 am Nice coin and very strong portrait!... You can almost hear him say " Things are going to change now!"...And so they did, the start of a new era of Emperors which would bring Rome to its pinnacle. Nerva AR Denarius. Rome, AD 97. Obverse..IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR POT, laureate head right Reverse..COS III PATER PATRIAE, Priestly emblems: simpulum, aspergillum, guttus, and lituus. RIC #24; RSC 48. 3.12g, 17mm, 6h. Near Very Fine...From a private Swiss collection. Report this Post to the Staff
Palouche Pillar of the Community Spain 2752 Posts	Posted 02/20/2022 12:01 pm Thanks for the pm Mike..Apologies I thought I'd uploaded the photo...As we can see this stylized type exaggerates the nose.. Report this Post to the Staff
circusmax120 Valued Member United States 319 Posts	Posted 02/20/2022 12:26 pm More than welcome, Paul. Your description of the coin whetted my thirst to see it! Very true and evident that the portrait is a strikingly different style. By no means unappealing, just a different interpretation by the ancient artist. Nerva was perhaps not the most handsome man, but his coinage certainly can be. From a Swiss collection...indeed, quite collectable! Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 6 / Views: 932

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