Pertinax AD 193-193. Rome
Denarius AR

17 mm, 1,66 g

IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate head right / OPI DIVIN TR P COS II, Ops seated left on throne, holding grain ears.

Fine

RIC 8a.

Pertinax, born Publius Helvius Pertinax on August 1, AD 126, in Alba Pompeia (modern-day Alba, Italy), was a Roman emperor who ruled for a brief but significant period in AD 193. His reign came during a time of extreme instability and is most remembered for his attempts to restore discipline and order to the Roman Empire after the chaotic and decadent rule of Emperor Commodus. Pertinax came from a humble background, the son of a freedman, which was relatively uncommon for someone who would eventually become emperor. Despite his modest origins, Pertinax pursued a military career and steadily rose through the ranks due to his competence and dedication. He served in various provinces across the Roman Empire, earning respect as a capable soldier and administrator. His career included important posts such as governor of several key provinces and a consulship, which was a mark of high prestige. When Commodus was assassinated on December 31, AD 192, Pertinax was chosen by the conspirators to succeed him, largely because of his reputation for integrity and his experience in governance. He was proclaimed emperor on January 1, AD 193. Pertinax immediately set about trying to reverse the excesses of Commodus's reign. He initiated reforms to restore discipline in the Roman military, reduce the excessive spending that had drained the imperial treasury, and bring stability to the empire. However, these efforts were met with resistance, particularly from the Praetorian Guard, the elite soldiers responsible for the emperor’s protection. The Guard, which had become accustomed to the lax discipline and financial indulgences under Commodus, resented Pertinax’s strict measures and attempts to curb their power. Additionally, Pertinax’s refusal to pay them the large sums of money they had expected as a reward for his elevation to emperor only increased their hostility. On March 28, AD 193, just 86 days into his reign, members of the Praetorian Guard stormed the imperial palace. Despite attempts to negotiate with them, Pertinax was assassinated. His death plunged the empire into further chaos, leading to what is known as the Year of the Five Emperors, a period marked by civil war and rapid changes in leadership. Pertinax’s brief reign is often seen as a tragic attempt to restore moral and fiscal discipline to an empire that had been deeply corrupted. His death demonstrated the overwhelming power of the Praetorian Guard, which could make or break emperors at will, and highlighted the dangers faced by those who sought to reform the system. Despite his short rule, Pertinax was later remembered as a principled and well-meaning ruler whose efforts, though ultimately unsuccessful, were aimed at the betterment of the Roman state.