Please see if any of you can tell me what is on the reverse of this Nero. To me it looks like a armored gladiator from the shoulders up. With mask on face. Any help will be greatly appreciated as always...
I think it is the god Serapis with a modius (measuring vessel for wheat) on his head and a full beard. Serapis was a constructed god designed to appeal to both Ronans and the Egyptians.
Yep, Serapis...and a very nice example!! Here's another example---but of Elagabalus. Bronze assarion, H-H-J Nikopolis 8.26.6.6 (R2, same dies), Varbanov I 3825 (R3, same dies), AMNG I/I 2018, SNG Cop -, EF, centered, green patina with a few coppery high spots, Nicopolis ad Istrum (Nikyup, Bulgaria) mint, weight 3.726g, maximum diameter 17.8mm, die axis 180o, obverseAVT M AVPH - ANΩNINO-C, laureate head right; reverse NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOCICTPON, draped bust of Serapis right, wearing kalathos......
I only have a couple from Serapis (Mr Corn-Head): RI Maximinus II Daia 305-308 CE Folles AE30 Trier mint Genius-Serapis stndg RI Didumenian and Macrinus 217-218 CE AE28 Markianopolis mint Serapis