Lot 4482
Pescennius Niger, AD 193-194. Silver Denarius (2.9g) minted at Antioch, AD 194. IMP CAES C PESC NIGERIVS AVG COS II. Laureate head of Niger right. Reverse: VICTOR IVST AVG. Victoria (Victory) advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond. RIC 81f; RSC 76a. A fantastic example! Lovely golden highlights, superbly struck and of excellent metal quality for the type. Lustrous. Among the finest in existence. Nearly Mint State.
Scion of an equestrian family from Aquinum, between Rome and Pompeii, Gaius Pescennius Niger was the most legitimate candidate of the three frontier generals who answered Rome's plea to end the shameful tyranny of Didius Julianus and the praetorian guards. Alas his command was in Syria. The news did not reach Niger in time to reach Rome before Septimius Severus who easily marched from Pannonia and deposed Didius Julianus. Severus bought off the neutrality of the other general Clodius Albinus who was governor of Britain, with the empty title of Caesar, and declared Niger a public enemy. Niger consolidated his power in the East, but his nine legions were no match for the armies of Severus. After suffering a decisive defeat at Issus, Niger fled to his capital of Antioch, but was captured and executed by the Severan general Anullinus.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
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| Realized $9,200 |
