Sear David R. - Roman coins and their values vol. II, The accession of Nerva to the overthrow of the Severan dynasty AD ...

foreign publications

Sear David R. - Roman coins and their values vol. II, The accession of Nerva to the overthrow of the Severan dynasty AD 96 - AD 235, London 2002, ISBN 1902040457

696 pages, hardcover with wrapper, tattered wrapper, illustrations and drawings, valuation for two/three states of preservation. The second volume covers the period from the reign of Marcus Cocceius Nerva "the thirteenth Caesar" and the first "adoptive" emperor, until the overthrow of the Severian dynasty in 235.It covers what can rightly be called the "golden age" of Roman imperial coinage. The full development of the Augustan system of coin denominations and the refinement of the method by which government propaganda was conveyed to citizens through coins reached their peak during these fourteen decades. Previous coins of the Julio-Claudian and Flavian periods witnessed many experiments with the monetary system and initial early steps in developing the propaganda potential of reverse types. The coins of the Adoptive Emperors and the Antonine and Severian dynasties were the ultimate realization of this process, resulting in coinage of unprecedented variety and complexity. The number of types included in the compilations shows a dramatic increase, and the percentage of illustrated coins is much higher than before. Throughout the catalog, current market valuations are expressed in two currencies (sterling and U.S. dollars) and in at least two grades of preservation - typically "VF" and "EF" for precious metal coins, and "F" and "VF" for Roman Egyptian coinage and bronze issues. Another feature absent from earlier editions is the inclusion of the mint and exact date of each type. The biographical sketches at the beginning of each reign and under some additional headings have been completely revised. Today, one of the best reference tools of Roman minting for both novice and experienced collectors.