Pescennius Niger
193 - 194 A.D.
Niger was the governor of Syria at the time of Pertinax's murder. When he heard what had happened he decided he was the right man for the job. His soldiers quickly fell in line and off they went to Rome. A little kink in their plans cropped up when news reached them that the army of Septimius Severus had the same plans. Niger judiciously figured that his chances of defeating Severus in the open field were not good so he retreated at once back to Syria to await Severus on his own turf. Although this made things a bit more difficult for Severus, however, he was still able to defeat his rival in separate battles and then executed.
AR Denarius
RIC 26c, Cohen 28 AR Denarius Obv: IMPCAESCPESCNIGERIVSTAV; Laureate head right.
Rev: FORTVNAEREDVCI; Fortuna standing left holding rudder and cornucopia.
RIC 45a, RSC 43 AR Denarius Obv: IMPCAESCPESCNIGERIVSTAV; Laureate head right.
Rev: IVSTITIAAVG Justitia standing, head left, holding scales and cornucopia.
RIC 66b AR Denarius Obv: IMPCAESCPESCNIGERAVG - Laureate head right.
Rev: MONETEAVG - Moneta standing left, holding scales and raising skirt. Lot sold for $638 2/28/02.
RSC 27e AR Denarius Obv: IMPCAESCPESCNIGERIVSTI, laureate head right.
Rev: FORTVNAEREDVCI, Fortuna standing left, holding grain ears and cornucopia.
RSC 80a AR Denarius Obv: IMPCAESCPESCNIGERIVSTAVG, laureate head right.
Rev: VIRTVTIAVG, Virtus standing facing, looking left, propping shield on ground with right hand and holding spear in left.
RSC 81f AR Denarius Obv: IMPCAESCPESCNIGERIVSAVGCOSII - Laureate head right.
Rev: VICTORIVSTAVG - Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. Lot sold for $472 3/14/02.
