My latest addition is a Nero denarius I did an even trade with someone else. I liked the legends of the obverse & surfaces more then I did my old one, even though this is a commoner reverse. My old one can be seen here: http://i42.tinypic.com/ubk9j.jpg Nero (54 - 68 A.D.) AR Denarius O: NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, Laureate head right. R: IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter seated left with thunderbolt & scepter. Rome Mint (66 - 67 A.D.) 3.1g 18mm RSC II 119, RIC I 53
For whatever reason, Nero denarii seem to go for just as much as Vitellius, Otho, and Galba in similar condition. I can never seem to find one in the same condition as yours or better for less than $100. I'm still looking, though. On a funnier note; I was never sure if it was his lack of a chin or lack of a neck that makes him look so weird. I wonder if the engravers were in fear for their lives if they made an actual representation of what he looked like.
I agree with the question of why worn Nero's sell high. His portraits can be found on middle bronzes for about the same until you get to higher grades.
Mat => that's a nice chubby-Nero addition!! (congrats) Yah, it's a bit like collecting youngcool-guy Elvis and then collecting ol' Cheeseburger in Vegas Elvis!! anyway ... I don't have a young Nero denarius, or an older chubby Nero denarius (huh, I guess there never really was a young-cool-guy Nero, eh?) => oh well => great upgrade
That is great Nero! Congrats! I am contemplating one at a local shop...just missing the $150 asking price.
There is coins of Nero as a child/teen, with his mom no less. They're a bit scarcer but easily found.
My best Nero is a Drachm from Caesarea, Cappodocia: NERO AR Drachm OBVERSE: NERO CLAVD DIVI CLAVD F CAESAR AVG GERM, laureate head of Nero right. REVERSE: DIVOS CLAVD AVGVST GERMANIC PATER AVG, Claudius' laureate head right Struck at Caesarea, Cappodocia, 63/4AD 3.6g, 17mm RIC 621, RSC 3, RPC 3648
Like the denarius, Mat. Haven't got one for myself yet. Abit higher on my want list for Nero is the as with the reverse showing him as Apollo Citharoedus playing the lyre.
I may have exaggerated a little bit w/ the Otho comment. I saw one sell on ebay for $200 a few years back with with the reverse nearly completely flat. You couldn't even make out the figure. I think that's the cheapest I've seen one go for.
Thanks, Eduard. As for otho, I expected as much. I am looking to get one in the $350s, i've seen them for sale at that price but I never had the funds & as soon as they get listed, they get sold quickly cause its such a good price.
nice coin mat, i like it and your trader both...but i'll give the edge to your new one. i had a shot at a similar nero coin at a show last october and didn't take it....i've been regretting it ever since.
