Marcus Cocceius Nerva was born about 30 A.D. into an important senatorial family. The future emperor was a distinguished lawyer who held major political posts under Nero and the Flavians. His part in the successful assassination plot against the emperor Domitian in 96 A.D. is uncertain, but he was elevated to the imperial throne on the very same day. Though strongly supported by the senate, Nerva was forced to deal with the army and the Praetorian Guard, both angry over the death of Domitian. Two of his political allies were killed by the Praetorians for their part in the plot while Nerva was forced to stand by helplessly. Childless, Nerva chose as his successor the greatest military leader of the day, Trajan. This proved to be an excellent decision and set the precedent for the eighty years of good rule that followed; each of the next four emperors, without living heirs, chose the most worthy man to succeed him. Nerva died in January 98 A.D., after a very short reign that had set the Roman Empire back on the path to good government.

The splendor of the precious metals is allowed to shine in this pendant. The lustrous gold complements the dark, tarnished hue of the bronze. In this pendant, the present and the past combine. The classical form of the modern pendant enhances the timeless beauty and majesty of the ancient coin. To wear this pendant is to reconnect with the past while continuing to look stylish in the present.