Decvrsio

Hi everyone. I just got this coin of Nero, a Decvrsio without the SC. I know there are specimens out there but I seem to see many more of the SC specimens than the ones without the SC. I believe RIC has this type rated as 'common' but I wonder. Also, CNG has coins like mine dated to 63 AD. What are the opinions of this issue compared to the SC issues? Why weren't the ones from 63 AD minted with the SC? Was Nero sending a message to the Senate? Please post your Decvrsio coins with any comments you have.


Ruler: Nero (Augustus)
Coin: VF Brass Sestertius
NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P IMP P P - Laureate head left
DECVRSIO - Nero, bare-headed, cuirassed, cloak flying behind, prancing right on horseback carrying spear at rest in right hand; in front of him, advancing right, looking back left, a foot soldier holding vexillum in right hand over left shoulder right; behind him a
Exergue:


Mint: Rome (63 AD)
Wt./Size/Axis: 28.50g / 35mm / 6h
Rarity: Scarce
References:

• RIC 108
• Sear 1956
• BM 155
• MacDowall WCN 78

Acquisition/Sale: rembrand-2000 Ebay $0.00 11/18
Notes: Nov 2, 18 - The Gary R. Wilson Collection

 

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Hmm. Here is your coin (edited to join) followed by fakes found in Forum Ancient Coins' Fakes Gallery:






Doesn't bode well. I wonder if yours was struck on a worn sestertius (struck in modern times). The numerous spidery cracks make me think it was struck on old/embrittled bronze.

 

Sorry Tif, I looked at all of those before and I don't agree at all. Some people jump at shadows and I refuse to do such.

 

Also, I didn't post this coin to ask if anybody thought it was fake. That wasn't my purpose.

 

I'm sorry you feel offended. That was not my intention.

 

Regardless it is a die match

 

No need to be salty. TIF once pointed out one of my coins might be a fake and I am glad she did. I was able to return the coin and get a refund. Otherwise I’d be stuck with a fake coin. I would appreciate such help from fellow collectors anytime.

 

I think it's fun to look up coins in Sulzer's collection (published 1777). His example had the SC:

 

Its a fake coin, as TIF showed. Its also tooled and smoothed to make it look well circulated, then finished with a fake patina, See those more and more on eBay. Sad.

 

Here's a very rare provincial DECVRSIO I sold last year.


Provincial "sestertius"

Laureate head of Nero right


Emperor riding right with lance, behind him a soldier riding right with Vexillum

16.78g, 32 mm

RPC 2104; countermark Howgego GIC 557 Prusa ad Olympum

Extremely rare (RPC cites 2 examples).

This provincial "sestertius" copies the DECVRSIO issues of Nero.