idesofmarch01 Posted January 11, 2023 · Member Share Posted January 11, 2023 My personal Nero favorite will always be the fat-neck, scruffy beard portrait: NERO 54 - 68 A.D. AV Aureus (7.33 g.) Rome 64 - 65 A.D. RIC 54 Obv. NERO CAESAR - AVGVSTVS Laureate head r. Rev. Roma seated l. on cuirass, holding Victory in r. hand and parazonium in l.; in exergue, ROMA HIs coins, even the smaller ones, can be extraordinarily artistic, but I've always wondered why he didn't force the engravers to make his portraits a bit more attractive. 19 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor LONGINUS Posted January 11, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted January 11, 2023 Great thread, @CPKand awesome Nero gallery, everybody! 17 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julius Germanicus Posted January 11, 2023 · Member Share Posted January 11, 2023 Nero the artist emperor made such beautiful Sestertii that he may be the only Emperor who deserves at least two specimens in any one-Sestertius-per-ruler collection 🙂 : one facing left and one facing right 18 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted January 11, 2023 · Supporter Author Share Posted January 11, 2023 3 hours ago, idesofmarch01 said: HIs coins, even the smaller ones, can be extraordinarily artistic, but I've always wondered why he didn't force the engravers to make his portraits a bit more attractive. I can imagine Nero to be so self-absorbed that it never so much as crossed his mind that his appearance was anything but magnificent. Or maybe the old Roman standard of good looks were more tolerant of obesity than ours today. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limes Posted January 11, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 11, 2023 The AE As below was my first coin of Nero and one of my earliest Roman coins. I remember the excitement when I picked the package up from the postal office and opened it. A real Nero! 18 1 2 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor DonnaML Posted January 11, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted January 11, 2023 (edited) I don't have much for Nero in the way of decent portraits. Certainly not either of my two Nero denarii, both of which are in less than mediocre condition. But here are some other coins. Young Nero: Nero AR Drachm, AD 56/57 (Year 3), Syria, Seleucis & Pieria, Antioch Mint. Obv. Laureate head of young Nero right, ΝΕΡΩΝΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡΟΣ ΣΕΒΑ (beginning at upper right) / Rev. Tripod altar (supporting cauldron or lebes) with serpent entwined around center leg; ΔΡΑ-ΧΜΗ to sides (ΔΡΑ upwards on left; ΧΜΗ downwards on right), forming single word ΔΡΑΧΜΗ (“drachma”); above tripod, EP [for Year 105 of Caesarean Era) and Γ [for Nero’s Regnal Year 3]. McAlee 278(a) at p. 140 & n. 214 (ill. p. 141); Prieur 78; RPC [Roman Provincial Coinage] Vol. I 4179 (1992); RPC Online at https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/1/4179. 18 mm., 3.65 g., 1 h. Purchased at CNG [Classical Numismatic Group, LLC] E-Auction 512, 23 March 2022, Lot 399. [Footnote omitted.] Later Nero: Nero, AE As, 65 AD Rome Mint. Obv. Laureate head right, [NER]O CAESAR • AVG • GERM IMP / Rev. Temple of Janus with closed double doors on right, garland hanging above doors, latticed windows and wall to left [flan flaw at wall], PACE P R VBIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT, S|C across fields. RIC I Nero 306, BMCRE I Nero 227, Sear RCV I 1974 (ill. p. 390), Cohen 171. 27 mm., 9.61 g., 7 h. Nero, AE As, 65 AD Rome Mint. Obv. Laureate head right, NERO CAESAR AV-G • GERM IMP / Rev. Victory alighting left, wings spread, holding shield inscribed SPQR, S|C across fields. RIC I Nero 312, BMCRE I Nero 241, Sear RCV I 1976 (ill. p. 391), Cohen 288. 28 mm., 11.9 g., 12 h. Purchased from Robert Morris (Numi Numismatic), Brighton MI, 29 Oct. 2022, ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger Auction 375, 22 Sep 2022, Lot 1310. Finally, two of my several Nero tetradrachms from Roman Alexandria. For that mint, the portraits are decent. Nero and Divus Augustus, Billon Tetradrachm, Year 13 (66/67 AD), Alexandria, Egypt Mint. Obv. Radiate head of Nero left, ΝΕΡΩ ΚΛΑV ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒ ΓΕΡ AY; in left field, LIE (Year 13) / Rev. Radiate head of Augustus right, ΘΕΟΣ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΣ. 24 mm., 11.6 g. RPC I Online 5294 (see https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/1/5294), Emmett 113.13, Milne 251 at p. 7, BMC 16 Alexandria 112 at p. 15, Dattari (Savio) 184, Sear RCV I 2007 (ill. p. 394). Nero, Billon Tetradrachm, Year 11 (64/65 AD), Alexandria, Egypt Mint. Obv. Radiate head of Nero, right, ΝΕΡΩ ΚΛΑV ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒ ΓΕΡ AY / Rev. Draped bust of Poppea Sabina [second wife of Nero and former wife of Otho], right, ΠΟΠΠΑΙΑ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΗ around, LIA [Year 11] in right field. RPC [Roman Provincial Coinage] Vol. I 5280 (1992)]; RPC Online at https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/1/5280; Emmett 128.11 [Emmett, Keith, Alexandrian Coins (Lodi, WI, 2001)]; Dattari (Savio) 197-198 [Savio, A. ed., Catalogo completo della collezione Dattari Numi Augg. Alexandrini (Trieste, 2007)]; Milne 223 at p. 7 [Milne, J.G., Catalogue of Alexandrian Coins (Oxford 1933, reprint with supplement by Colin M. Kraay, 1971)]; K&G 14.85 (ill. p. 59) [Kampmann, Ursula & Ganschow, Thomas, Die Münzen der römischen Münzstätte Alexandria (2008)]; BMC 16 Alexandria 124 at p. 16 [Poole, Reginald Stuart, A Catalog of the Greek Coins in the British Museum, Vol. 16, Alexandria (London 1892)]; Sear RCV I 2002 (Year 11; ill. of Year 10, at p. 394). 26.5 mm., 12.98 g. Purchased from Odysseus Numismatique, Montpellier, France, Sep. 2021. Edited January 11, 2023 by DonnaML 20 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ominus1 Posted January 11, 2023 · Patron Share Posted January 11, 2023 21 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambr0zie Posted January 11, 2023 · Member Share Posted January 11, 2023 1 hour ago, Limes said: The AE As below was my first coin of Nero and one of my earliest Roman coins. I remember the excitement when I picked the package up from the postal office and opened it. A real Nero! Oh yes, I know the feeling! I didn't want to post this as I do not consider it good enough compared to the examples seen in this thread, but I had the same feeling on my first ever lot of ancient coins! The original picture was poor - just a pile of coins and even the photo quality was bad, but I recognized Nero, even if my knowledge about Roman emperors was very basic. 20 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jims,Coins Posted January 11, 2023 · Member Share Posted January 11, 2023 (edited) Bronze Provincial Coin (AE24) minted at Cnossos on Crete, for CLAUDIA OCTAVIA, first wife of NERO, between 55 - 60 A.D. Obv. NERO.CLAV.CAES.AVG.IMP.LVPINO.VOLVMNIO.II. Bare hd. of NERO r., dr. and scepter at shoulder. Rev. Confronting busts of CLAUDIA OCTAVIA, dr. at l. with crescent above, and NERO, at r., bare with star above. VAGI #732. GIC #655. Pictures not downloading Edited January 11, 2023 by Jims,Coins 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zarco Posted January 12, 2023 · Member Share Posted January 12, 2023 (edited) I have two coins of Nero but I'm hoping to add more in the future. As with Temple of Janus Reverse This coin checks two boxes for me. Not only is it an architectural type, but it also comes with the story about the doors of the temple of Janus being closed by Nero during the visit of Tiridates to Rome: "When Tiridates's supplication had been translated into Latin by an interpreter and publicly recited, he was taken to the Theatre (where he made a further supplication) and offered a seat on Nero's right. The people then hailed Nero as a conqueror and, after dedicating a laurel-wreath in the Capitol, he closed the double doors of the Temple of Janus, as a sign that all war was at en end." Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, Nero 13 (translated by Robert Graves.) Nero, AD 54-68. AE As, 10.6 g, 27.1 mm, 6 h. Rome mint, AD 62-68. Obv: [N]ERO CAESAR AVG GERM IM[P]; Head of Nero, laureate, right. Rev: PACE P R VBIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT S C; Temple of Janus, with latticed window to right and double doors to left with garland hung across ('ubique door'). Ref: RIC 309. Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group, E-Sale 426, Lot no. 506, 8 August 2018. Provenance: From the Collection of a Texas Wine Doctor. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Auction XXII (2 September 1992), lot 345. As with Ara Pacis Reverse I bought this coin for the architectural reverse and apparent connection to the Ara Pacis in Rome, which I visited in 2008. However, in Roman Coins and Their Values, Vol. I, David Sear speculates that since this type was struck only in Lugdunum, the altar may be one that was erected there in the late 50's to commemorate Corbulo's Parthian victory. Also, in The Monuments of Ancient Rome as Coin Types, Philip Hill references the Ara Pacis in Rome only in connection with an as of Domitian but makes no mention of this coin. No matter, whether the Ara Pacis depicted is in Rome or Lugdunum, it's still a cool coin! Nero, AD 54-68. AE As, 9.9 g, 28.8 mm, 6 h. Lugdunum mint, AD 62-68. Obv: [NER]O CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR [P] IM[P P P]; Head of Nero, bare, right; small globe at point of neck. Rev: ARA PACIS S C; Altar with decorated panels and ornamented top, and central double doors. Ref: RIC 458, Sear RCV 1971. Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group, E-Sale 463, Lot no. 339, 11 March 2020. Photo credit for both coins: CNG. Edited January 12, 2023 by Zarco Photo credit 21 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Severus Alexander Posted January 12, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 12, 2023 Continued excellence in this thread! 🤩 Young Nero with Agrippina (from Kyme in Aeolis): ^Pretty sure this coin would benefit from a mechanical cleaning but I haven't attempted it yet. Nero on a sestertius: And probably my favourite portrait (one doesn't often see the beard on bronze): 22 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mc9 Posted January 12, 2023 · Member Share Posted January 12, 2023 Nero with plump cheeks IMP NERO CAESAR AVG PP Nero bearded and laur. r. IUPPITER CUSTOS Jupiter, bare to waist, seated l. on throne, r. holding thunderbolt, l. long scepter Denarius, A.D. 67 – 68, 2.94 gr, 16.78 mm, RIC I 69 20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Ancient Coin Hunter Posted January 12, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted January 12, 2023 Alexandria, Egypt Billon Tetradrachm Obv: Head of Nero right, wearing radiate crown Rev: Bust of Serapis right, wearing kalathos on head 20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qcumbor Posted January 12, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 12, 2023 Nero has some great coins/portraits, many beautiful ones here ! My best portrait of his would be on that dupondius that's been acquired in my first years of collecting ancient (1983 for this one) from the president of our coin club. Being the youngest member of the club back then, I believe he's been kind to me with the price he asked 🙂 Nero, Dupondius - Rome mint, 65 CE 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 19 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted January 13, 2023 · Supporter Author Share Posted January 13, 2023 So many wonderful portraits of Nero - thanks to all for posting! After Nero died without leaving any designated heirs, Rome fell briefly into a period of civil war - in the space of about a year, three men rose to claim the throne and were deposed. Galba - an ex-consul in his 70's, the dignified and austere governor of Hispania Otho - much younger, of Etruscan descent, governor of Lusitania Vitellius - ex-consul, former governor of Africa, later military commander of the army in Germania Inferior Each of their reigns lasted only a matter of months, and consequently their coinage tends to be scarce and/or expensive - so I think for this period we will post portrait coins of any and all three! (Vespasian will get his own slot.) I have only one coin of each emperor, and they are all of very poor quality...hopefully, we will soon see some nicer ones! Please post you portrait coins of Galba, Otho, or Vitellius! 19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Conduitt Posted January 13, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 13, 2023 Galba Denarius, 68-69Rome. Silver, 16x17mm, 3.03g. Bare head of Galba right; IMP SER GALBA AVG. Oak wreath, S P Q R, OB C S (RIC I, 167). From the Westbury Sub Mendip (Somerset) Hoard 2016, Portable Antiquities Scheme: SOM-F1847A. 19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Ancient Coin Hunter Posted January 13, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted January 13, 2023 (edited) Galba, A.D. 68-69, Alexandria, Egypt Grade: VF+ light grey toning Catalog: Köln 233-4; Dattari (Savio) 310; K&G 17.14; Material: Billon Weight: 7.18 g Diameter: 24.00 mm Obverse: ΣEΡOΥI ΓAΛBA AΥTOK KAIΣ ΣEBA, Laureate head right; L B (date) before Reverse: EΛEΥ-ϑEΡI, Eleutheria standing left, resting elbow on column, holding wreath and scepter; to left, simpulum Edited January 13, 2023 by Ancient Coin Hunter 20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Severus Alexander Posted January 13, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 13, 2023 My designated portrait coins for these three: 18 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jims,Coins Posted January 13, 2023 · Member Share Posted January 13, 2023 Silver Coin (AR Denarius) minted at Rome during the reign of NERO between 65 - 66 A.D. Obv. NERO.CAESAR.AVGVSTVS. laurel. hd. r. Rev. SALVS.: Salus, dr., std. l. on throne, r. holding patera, l. resting at her side. RCS #675. RSCII #314. RICI #60 pg.153. DVM #15 pg.85. (this type refers to the suppression of the Pisonian conspiracy. The would-be assassin, Fl. Scaevinus, took a sacred dagger from the Temple of Salus in Ferentum to kill NERO with. One of Scaevinus freedmen betrayed the plot by carrying that very dagger to NERO as evidence. NERO dedicated the dagger in the Temple of Salus in Rome, inscribing it “to Jupiter the Protector”. Both Salus and Jupiter Custos were heavily promoted on the coinage as guardians of the reign). 16 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jims,Coins Posted January 13, 2023 · Member Share Posted January 13, 2023 Silver Coin (AR Denarius) minted at Rome during the reign of GALBA between 68 - 69 A.D. Obv. SER.GALBA.CAESAR.AVG. Bare hd. cuir. bust r. Rev. DIVA.AVGVSTA.: Livia, dr., stg. l., holding patera, l. vertical sceptre. RCS #719. RSCII #47 pg.19. RICI #143 pg.240. DVM #7 pg.92. Silver Coin (AR Denarius) minted during the reign of OTHO in 69 A.D. Obv.IMP.M.OTHO.CAESAR.AVG.TR.P. Bare head r. Rev. SECVRITAS.P.R. Securitas stg. l., holding wreath and scepter. RCS #744. RIC1 #12 pg. 260. DVM #8a pg. 95. (another type publicizing the advantages of peace, in conjunction with the negotiations with Vitellius.) - Silver Coin (AR Denarius) minted at Rome during the reign of VITELLIUS after July 69 A.D. Obv. A.VITELLIVS.GERM.IMP.AVG.TR.P. laurel. hd. r. Rev. CONCORDIA.P.R.: Concordia, dr., std. l., r. holding patera l. cornucopia. RCS #752. RSCII #18 pg.35. RIC #90 pg.272. DVM #3a pg.96. 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ominus1 Posted January 13, 2023 · Patron Share Posted January 13, 2023 ...one has to get excited when we hit the 'year of the 4'(well, really , they are all exciting ^^)...:D...1st up...Galba... 16 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shea19 Posted January 13, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 13, 2023 My favorite portrait of old man Galba: Galba, Seleucis and Pieria, Antioch., AR Tetradrachm (27 mm, 14.30 g), ΑΥΤΟ]ΚΡΑΤⲰΡ ΓΑΛΒΑC ΚΑΙCΑΡ CЄΒ[ΑCΤΟC] Bare head of Galba to right./ Rev. [ΕΤΟΥC Β] Eagle with spread wings standing left on wreath, holding wreath in beak; palm frond to left. McAlee 308. RPC I 4198. 16 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor DonnaML Posted January 13, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted January 13, 2023 I have: 1 Galba denarius I like very much 1 mediocre Vitellius denarius Notho. 16 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ominus1 Posted January 13, 2023 · Patron Share Posted January 13, 2023 11 minutes ago, DonnaML said: Notho. >< haha! good 1! 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roman Collector Posted January 13, 2023 · Patron Share Posted January 13, 2023 I'm afraid I'll have to wait for Vespasian. You know how it is ... 5 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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