Roman coins struck during the rule of Roman Emperor Nerva included such denominations as denarius[³²] and sestertius. Examples and detailed description of these coins is available below. The two types of coins mentioned in the article were struck in the same year, and namely in 97 AD.

Denarius (issued in AD 97)

The obverse[¹⁰³⁹] of this coin features the head of Roman emperor Nerva laureate, surrounded by the legend that reads IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P. The reverse[¹⁰⁸⁴] of this particular ancient Roman coin includes Fortuna, who is illustrated seated with her right hand holding the ears of corn while the left hand holds a scepter. The image is surrounded by the legend FORTVNA P R.

Fortuna was placed on the Roman coins after the people of Rome felt a great relief from the autocratic rule of Domitian and considered that Fortune was the goddess that ended the cruel period and started a new one with Emperor Nerva at the head of the Roman Empire. Nerva installed peace in the state. He is found on the obverse of the Roman coin wearing the laurel crown. The image of Nerva of the obverse is surrounded by the inscription IMPerator NERVA CAESar AVGustus Pontifex Maximus TRibunicia Potestas COnSul III Pater Patriae.

The coin's reverse depicts Fortuna seated with ears of corn and a scepter in her right and left hand respectively. The earns of corn is a symbol of new prosperity which was believed to be granted by Fortuna to the people of Rome. The reverse features a legend that reads FORTVNA Populi Romani, which means "The Fortune of the Roman People."

Sestertius (issued in AD 97)

The obverse of this Roman coin illustrates that head of Nerva laureate, whose image is surrounded by the legend IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P.

The coin's reverse features Fortuna standing in the right hand holding a rudder and her left hand a cornucopia. The image of the goddess is surrounded by the legend FORTVNA AVGVST. There's S C to left and right in field.

Detailed Description of the Coin:

This ancient sestertius has a lot of characteristics common to the upper mentioned denarius. This is because it features the same design on the obverse and a similar theme of Fortuna found on the coin's reverse. However, the goddess is depicted in a different position. She is illustrated holding a rudder and cornucopia. The former symbol is use by Fortuna to steer the world, which may go either way up or down, to prosperity or cruelty. The cornucopia serves as a source of Fortuna's blessings. The inscription FORTVNA AVGVSTi is translated as "The Fortune of Augustus." This legend alleges to hope and good will of the Roman emperor Nerva. In the field there's Senatus Consulto.