a High Grade Denarius of Nero---but....

This coin is both gorgeous and flawed. Under magnification the reverse crack is highly disconcerting and the slightly 'off flan' portions of the legend disappointing. The obverse 'scratches' also contain hairline cracks as well. At this point, I felt the estimate was highly optimistic and the required initial bid a bit too high but I finally convinced myself it was worth the expense although I will probably be debating that for years yet to come LOL

Naturally, as I hold it in hand only the sharp details are most apparent and the flaws seem to fade from view. The light beard, typically missing on so many examples of the type, nearly as vivid as the hair on his head---and the temple of Vesta exceptionally detailed. Apparently, others who viewed this coin had the same reaction(s) that I did since I was the sole bidder and won this denarius at the initial required bid. So, for better or worse, now I'm married to this coin for $150.00 below the estimate of $750.00



Nero (54-68 AD). AR Denarius (17 mm, 2.99 g), Roma (Rome), 65-66.
Obv. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right.
Rev. VESTA, Hexastyle temple of Vesta with domed roof, set on podium of four steps; within, statue of Vesta seated left, holding patera and scepter.
RIC 62.

For historical context, this denarius was circulating a year after the 'Great Fire of Rome', and concurrent with both the 'Pisonian Conspiracy' and the 'First Jewish Revolt'. Since Nero's debasement of his coinage was well under way by this time, perhaps the surface cracks are the result of the increased percentage of base metals....and the 'mangled' legends a result of damaged or filled dies???

As always, please feel free to post any coin you may have of Nero, the temple of Vesta or any other you would like to share...and don't hesitate to express any opinion, pro or con or indifferent.

 

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I think that was a good buy on a very attractive coin.

The portrait is really good and the reverse is interesting, not just some god standing around holding the tv remote.

John

 

I would be happy with it, especially for the reverse. It's one of my favorite types for Nero but never owned.

 

Wow!! ... that coin rocks, Mikey-Z (congrats)

*ummpphh*

Sadly, as the years click-by, I still only have this one example of Nero (man, I need more coins) ...




... gawd, it's still so pretty ...



Mikey-Z => congrats again on adding a gorgeous OP-winna (I'm totally jealous of your new Nero)

 

A very good buy indeed. You will get no complaints from me!

A wonderful coin with a lot of eye-appeal, despite the 'flaws'.

 

I think that coin is an excellent buy. I would much rather have a coin with tons of eye appeal like that one than a technically problem free coin that doesn't capture the style as well. Thanks for sharing.

 

WOW, @Mikey Zee , it looks great! Must be a great feeling to get it UNDER estimate! Great job snaring it!

I have a Nero to share...


RI Nero AR Tetradrachm 54-68 CE Eagle

 

No doubt Mikey that's a great Nero especially with the tag.
Nero has been high on my list for some time now. I'd be very happy with yours.

 

Nice catch, MZ.
If I were you I wouldn't let those cracks in the coin bother me to much.
Great coin to end the year with!

 

600 $ is still a reasonable price for such a good coin. If you like it, you will easily forget how much it set you back


Nero, Denarius - 008 Rome mint, AD 64/65
NERO CAESAR, laureate head of Nero right
AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS, Nero standing facing, holding branch and victory on globe
3,32 gr
Ref : RCV #1941, Cohen #45, RIC # 47

The following comment, from NFA, auction XX catalog, # 118 :
Nero's coinage reform of A.D. 64 saw a reduction in the weight standard of both the aureus and denarius denominations. A whole new range of reverse types was introduced with an unmistakably imperial flavor, in marked contrast to the senatorial types of the pre-reform coinage. This coin depicts a standing figure of the emperor, wearing the radiate crown of the sun god Sol, holding a branch of peace and a small figure of Victory. An allusion to the settlement of the Parthian question, following Corbulo's successes in Armenia in A.D. 63, seems unmistakable. It is tempting to identify this reverse type with the statue of the sun god, with the facial features of the emperor, erected by Nero in front of his Domus Aurea (Golden House), which was one of the principal features of the reconstruction following the Great Fire of Rome in A.D. 64. The Flavian Amphitheatre (Colosseum) was later erected on the site of the Domus Aurea's ornamental lake, and received its popular name from its close proximity to Nero's statue



Nero, Dupondius minted in Rome in 65 AD
NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER PM TR P IMP PP, Radiate head of Nero right
ROMA in ex, SC in field, Roma seated left holding wreath and parazonium, , right foot on a helmet
13.06 gr
Ref : RCV #1966, Cohen #280

Q

 

Thanks everyone for the compliments, reassurance and candid responses.

I love the posts!! A terrific array of denominations!

I'm still in the market for a nice sesterces but I'll probably wait until the end of the coming year to satisfy that craving

 

@Mikey Zee that is a seriously nice coin, I would be very happy with it.

 

I like the coin for it's great detail, especially Vesta sitting I missed out on all that detail on mine. And those little hairline cracks are fine what do you expect for 2000 years of handling I doubt whether they will get any worse for sure not in your lifetime, I paid 240 Euro for mine but would've also been just as happy to pay $500 US for yours.

 

here is an earlier Temple of Vesta coin from Cassius Longinus 55BC I believe this to be the fourth temple of Vesta and the one of Nero's the sixth re-built after the fires, the remains in the Forum today are the seventh re-build that you find on some of the flavian coins.

 

Cool post(s) @Ancient Aussie !!

 

Just another point worth noting on these Nero denarius is the two distinctive types, yours like mine and the majority have a large bust of Nero not leaving enough room for the legend on a 17-18mm coin. If you look through CNG archives you will see some with small busts and in most cases full legends see link https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=194917#
My theory is that being vain he wanted the larger bust but with so many unreadable legends he had to bite the bullet and make the busts smaller to enable complete legends on a second series.

 

A very nice coin. I would be very pleased to own that one. I love the bearded portrait.

Here is my favourite Nero.

 

I think you may be correct in that regard. The acsearch link also lists the differences you allude to.

https://www.acsearch.info/search.ht...s=1&currency=usd&thesaurus=1&order=0&company=

That's a super example with a cool reverse and a terrific portrait. I'd guess it was struck a little later than mine or A-A's ....if only because he appears a bit heavier and even more in need of going on a diet

 

that's pretty sweet MZ, I LOVE the temple!

my only nero coin....

 

Thanks @Mikey Zee

It was struck not long before his suicide in 68.