Nero Ae As: Portrait Of A Complicated Man

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Author	Replies: 5 / Views: 945
circusmax120 Valued Member United States 319 Posts	Posted 03/03/2022 10:32 am Nero is arguably one of the most controversial and well-known figures in all of history. This very nice 29mm specimen has a fair amount of wear, but still retains a fine portrait of this complex character. Most notably for me is the die cutter's representation of Nero's ear. Images of the emperor depict him as having prominent ears that protrude outwards from the sides of his head. Highlighting such a feature in miniature relief is an incredible challenge, but the ancient artisan manages to pull this off nicely! The significant wear on the leading edge of the ear suggests it was a high point on the face of the coin. Obverse: IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P MAX TR PPP. Reverse: GENIO AVGVSTI SC. In the "Spirit of the Roman People", you are hereby encouraged to post images of any related coins. Go Team Nero!! Report this Post to the Staff

erafjel Pillar of the Community Sweden 2124 Posts	Posted 03/03/2022 2:08 pm Yes, Nero the rascal, a both interesting and scary character. On this 35 mm sestertius he looks imposing but the portrait is certainly not flattering. Nero, sestertius, 62-68 AD, Lugdunum/Lyon. Obverse: NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P Reverse: Roma with Victory. S C / ROMA. Report this Post to the Staff
circusmax120 Valued Member United States 319 Posts	Posted 03/03/2022 10:56 pm Wonderful detail on that sestertius, erafjel. Nicely centered strike! You are right about the portrait. The style is in line with a caricature of the man, rather than a realistic representation. An exaggeration of his features. Still, a very attractive coin. Even if the emperor is not. Report this Post to the Staff
livingwater Pillar of the Community United States 2235 Posts	Posted 03/04/2022 9:33 pm I might as well add a couple of mine to the post, Nero, sesterius, Rome, RIC 275, lower grade though. And a younger looking Nero AE from Hierapolis, Phrygia, reverse Zeus, RPC 2978. I think the countermark is Helios as seen better on another example. Edited by livingwater 03/04/2022 10:51 pm Report this Post to the Staff
sel_69l Bedrock of the Community Australia 21788 Posts	Posted 03/04/2022 10:43 pm Large bronzes and brass of Nero in better condition are always a collector favorite. May well we like his coins - despite the fact that he was a rather nasty individual. Report this Post to the Staff
circusmax120 Valued Member United States 319 Posts	Posted 03/04/2022 11:25 pm Splendid examples, living water! Excellent toning and a solidly effective portrait of the Emperor on that large bronze. The provincial of the young Nero is a fascinating piece. Countermark and all! Totally agree, sel_691. Nero is so well known, and his life so interesting and historically impactful, that it is no surprise his coins are desirable. Report this Post to the Staff
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