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 Replies: 12 / Views: 2,010 |
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Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
Like a chilly moth drawn to a toasty flame (NERO) ... Nero AE As Obverse: NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P - Bare head of Nero, globe at point of bust. Reverse: S-C, Victory advancing left, holding shield inscribed S P Q R. Date: 65 AD Diameter: 28.4 mm. Weight: 11.3 gr. References: RIC 477   => once again => stevex6 is happy as a pig in ...  Edited by stevex6
03/23/2012 10:53 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
I really like the details on this coin!  (I helped stevex6 by checking this against the databases on FORVM and Forgerynetwork--no matches I see.) The seller has no marks against him on CFDL either. I'm curious what the Roman collectors think.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
That is a nice Nero Ae As. The only problem I see with this coin is where what looks like bronze disease ate away at Nero's lower skull. Otherwise a very nice coin. One similar to this sold at a CNG action in 2008 for around $1500, but that one was in excellent condition all the way around with a very nice dark green patina. Overall, a very nice example. Congrats
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Quote:
...looks like bronze disease ate away at Nero's lower skull. I saw that, but I also noticed how the jaw line appears to run through that area, and the "pit" could just be the top portion of Nero's ear, toned darker?   Edited by DVCollector
03/23/2012 10:35 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
You may be correct DVC. One can still see the lines of the hair in that location. Take a look at the coin I spoke about from the CNG sale. It's a real beauty.  |
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Pillar of the Community
 3352 Posts |
=> oh well, what's a little skull-rot between Emperors, right?
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Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
For the record => my poor, little skull-rotting buddy was a mere $445 ... so for the extra $1055, maybe I can buy my coin some scalp-moisturizer, or perhaps a really cool hat?  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
JW, that coin is a beauty!  All considered, Steve got a great coin for a lot less (I saw the auction) Victory has some nice details too...such as the wings and the legs/drapery.  |
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Valued Member
United States
422 Posts |
Just finished reading the 'The Twelve Caesars' by Michael Grant, a different take than by Suetonius' 'Lives of the Caesars', I have come to the conclusion that Nero had to be the absolute worst of the 12 in all respects, although the common folks loved to watch in act on stage. I suspect other might consider Caligula in worst position, but Nero's reign lasted longer. And both seem to fetch incredible prices for their coinage. Is this because of their notoriety? I know they minted quite a few different coins in their reigns, so I don't think it was a supply and demand issue?
BTW Steve, very nice example of the old pervert! I'm looking to find an example in a fourree someday when I save enough to afford one!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
870 Posts |
That is a very nice As of Nero Steve.
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
I'm the first to admit that my eye sight isn't what it used to be, but I'm not seeing any BD on this coin. I see some lighter toning on the high points along with a little wear. This is a very nice coin and beats my example hands down, I paid $65 for mine so you can guess the condition isn't that great.
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Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
Thanks gang ... yah, ol' Nero has just moved into my "favorite coin" category! (I'm glad that you guys seem to appreciate it as well) ... DVC => thanks so much for doing your "behind-the-scenes" digging (awesome) jwharper => thanks for doing your comparison research as well (oh, and for giving me the heads-up that I shouldn't spend my retirement cash on my next few coins!) ... I will try to take your wise advice and do a bit more on the research & learning end and a wee bit less on the impulsive spending end (I say that now, after getting my fix ... we'll see how long I can hold-off!?) Oh, I know that DVC and probably most of you seem to use the internet for rearching your purchases (hopefully I get better at this) ... but I have purchased some reference books that a few of you kept referring to as good guide-books: ERIC II (I love this book and I love reading the introduction summaries for each emperor), Roman Coins and Their Values (Volumes 1, through IV) ... Greek Coins and Their Values (Volume 1) ... so once all of these books arrive, perhaps I should merely hibernate and try to absorb as much info as possible? If anybody has any other books that are regarded as "vital and/or super interesting", then please suggest them ... oxos => you mentioned Michael Grant's "The Twelve Caesars" (this sounds like a super cool book ... is it an interesting read?) Thanks again for all of your comments Steve  Edited by stevex6
03/24/2012 08:20 am
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Steve, I have the Roman Coins and their Values by Sears--I find it to be a good overview to get a sense of where all the emperors place in history. Quote:
I suspect others might consider Caligula in worst position, but Nero's reign lasted longer. And both seem to fetch incredible prices for their coinage. Is this because of their notoriety? I know they minted quite a few different coins in their reigns, so I don't think it was a supply and demand issue? I've read enough to know I wouldn't like to be on either of their bad sides. Caligula frightens me more because he was quite possibly insane, seemingly killing random people out of boredom. A few other emperors were bad specimens of humanity too, but are relatively unknown--ask the average college student if they've ever heard of Elagabalus. I suspect Nero's and Caligula's coins fetch more because they are simply well-known, like all the early emperors. |
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Replies: 12 / Views: 2,010 |
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Posted 03/23/2012 10:19 pm
