AR Denarius, A.D. 97, Rome, 17mm, 3.30g, 180°, RIC III 16.
Obv: IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P. Laureate head right.
Rev: FORTVNA AVGVST. Fortuna standing left holding rudder and cornucopia.
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Marcus Cocceius Nerva Caesar Augustus became Roman Emperor at the age of sixty-five, after a lifetime of service and consulship. On 18, September, 96, Domitian was assassinated in a conspiracy organized by court officials and Nerva was proclaimed emperor by the Senate. The Senate had suffered greatly under Domitian and as a gesture of goodwill towards his supporters, Nerva publicly swore that no senators would be put to death as long as he remained in office. Having been made emperor solely on the initiative of the Senate, Nerva had to also gain support among the Roman populace. As was custom by this time, a change of emperor brought with it generous gifts and money to the people and the army. This was followed by economic reforms that alleviated taxation and offered land grants to the most needy Romans.

Because he reigned only briefly, Nerva's public works were few, instead completing projects that were initiated under Flavian rule. This included extensive repairs to the Roman road system and expansion of the aqueducts. Despite his reforms, support for Domitian remained strong in the army. In October 97 these tensions came to a head when the Praetorian Guard laid siege to the Imperial Palace and took Nerva hostage. He was forced to submit to their demands, and hand over those responsible for Domitian's death. He realized that his position was no longer tenable without the support of an heir who had the approval of both the army and the people. He soon announced the adoption of the popular legionary commander Trajan as his successor who was formally bestowed with the title of Caesar and shared the consulship with Nerva in 98.

On 28 January, 98, Nerva died of fever after suffering an earlier stroke. He was deified by the Senate, and his ashes were laid to rest in the Mausoleum of Augustus. Although not wholly suited to the office of emperor, Nerva reigned at an extremely precarious time and managed to avoid what could have been a major crisis. He is treated favorably by both contemporary and modern historians and is considered the first of the so-called "Five Good Emperors".