After I was persuaded to show my one and only (grotty) Nero, I have been looking for a replacement. To be consigned to the ebay tub Lets face it, it is not pretty. It came in a lot with other coins and I didn't spend too much on it. Then I found this, I think this is a keeper. Nero Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria. Year 12=65/6 AD. NERW KLAV KAIS SEB GER, radiate bust right, wearing aegis AVTOKPA, draped bust of Alexandria right in elephant skin headdress, LIB to right. Köln 172-174; Curtis 36-54, Dattari 204, SGI 633, RPC 5289.
I have been looking for an elephant hat for ages. Hopefully a little light brushing might make those scratches a little less obvious. I should get it in a couple of days.
My one and only Nero is a little rough but it is still a pleasure and I had fun attributing it: Nero AD 54-68 Ae as, 28mm, 8.2g, 6h; Rome mint Obv.: IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P MAX TR P P P with small globe at point of bust Rev.: Victory flying left, holding shield inscribed SPQR
Great upgrade! Best feature is the elephant headdress (very cool), but I like the portrait of Nero as well.
Thanks Bing, I liked the portrait even though it looks as though he has been up most of the night fiddling, those bags under his eyes! The elephant hat was the cream on the pudding
Certainly an upgrade if you can't see having more than one coin of a ruler even when they are so different. I'd keep the Imperial as and the Provincial tetradrachm with an eye to upgrade the as to one something like jwt showed or one of a hundred other Nero Imperials. Nero was pretty enough that you can have more than one. The majority of his Imperial bronzes are from the late reign when his appearance was a mite overfed. Dupondius with II value mark on reverse
Doug that is a lovely example. My original has such a bad reverse, I am happy to see it go. I may well get another Imperial eventually. I am trying to pare down my collection and just keep the sweet coins and get rid of the grots.
WOW! @Pishpash , I REALLY like your coin. Well done... THAT would entice me to get another, uh, ugh, Imperial... But, that one is a cool subject... LOL, Nice party hat!
Very nice @Pishpash !!! I especially LOVE the Alexandrian TET!!! I've posted my more pedestrian examples of Imperials many times...but what the hell---An Aes and a Dupondius (they are colorful LOL):
I like your old one but that's a great upgrade! Alas, a Nero that I'm totally happy with has proved elusive. Quite like this one though. NERO Denarius 3.01g, 17mm Rome mint, 64 - 65 AD RIC I 53, RSC 119. O: NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right. R: IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter seated left on throne, holding thunderbolt and scepter. Ex Archer M. Huntington Collection, ANS 1001.1.25293
