Lot 887
Nerva (AD 96-98). AE Sestertius, 24.89g, 6h. Mint of Rome, struck AD 97. IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P COS III P P, laure. Nerva (AD 96-98). AE Sestertius, 24.89g, 6h. Mint of Rome, struck AD 97. IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P COS III P P, laureate head facing right. Rev. VEHICVLATIONE ITALIAE REMISSA (the levy for supplying the imperial transport system abolished for Italy), S C in exergue, two mules grazing, one standing left, the other right, behind them a high-wheeled cart with pole and harness tipped up behind them and leaning right, forming a radiant band (RIC 93; C. 143; Banti 44). Deep green-brown patina, some light smoothing in fields, good very fine. Rare. Created during the time of Augustus, the imperial institution of vehiculatio effectively organized transport and communications between Rome and all points of its empire. Central to the system was the thousands of mansiones set along the imperial highways. The cost for the upkeep of these mansiones, which served as supply and rest stops for travellers, was garnered from levies placed on the local population. As traffic increased in Italy the levies grew oppressive, particularly to the small land-holders. To lighten the Italian burden, Nerva abolished the munus vehicularium and made the cost of the vehiculatio part of the regular treasury expenditures. $ 2,500.
Estimated Value $2,500-UP.
ROMAN.
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