Roman Emperor Nero Coin – Bronze Sestertius – AD 62-68

Description

Heading: Roman Emperor Nero coin – Bronze Sestertius AD62-68

Denomination: Copper alloy sestertius

Period: Roman imperial. Julio-Claudian dynasty

Date: AD 62-68

Origin: Rome mint

Condition: AVF. some pitting to obverse field

Obverse: Laureate head. right. NERO CLAUD CAESAR AVG P M TRP IMP PP

Reverse: Roma helmeted and seated on cuirass (armour) with parazonium (long dagger) in left hand and right outstretched. shields behind. ROMA in exergue. SC either side

Size and Weight: 34mm. 23.4g

References: RIC 1 2nd ed Nero 273var

Features and Provenance: Nero was born in AD 37 and was adopted by Claudius at the age of 13. Upon Claudius’ death. in AD 54. he succeeded him to the throne and was popular with the Praetorian guard and lower classes. mainly for his love of the arts. His obsession with being a celebrity. regularly performing in public. reading poems and singing and playing instruments and even acting made him highly popular with the people.

However, the nobility thought this degrading and resented having to pay taxes to allow these performances. After the burning of Rome. his lavish life style didn’t diminish and he built his Golden Palace. His zeal to rebuild Rome caused many to accuse him of arson but he blamed the Christians and a period of persecution ensued. Most contemporary sources considered him tyrannical. self-indulgent and debauched; when the Senate declared him a Public Enemy of Rome he committed suicide at the age of 30.

This Roman Emperor Nero coin is avaiable to view in the Pantiles Arcade in Royal Tunbridge Wells, along with more Bronze Sestertius coins.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible