Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 22108 - Spink Numismatic e-Circular 21 - Ancient Coins - e-Auction
Lot: 3257

Nero (54-68), AV Aureus, AD 64-65, Rome, NERO AVGVSTVS, laureate head right, rev. AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS, Nero radiate and togate standing facing, holding branch and Victory on globe, 7.14g, 6h (RIC I, 46; BMCRE 56; RCV 1927; Mac Dowall, Nero 22; Biaggi 221; Calicó 402), cleaned, on an irregular flan, fine or near so, rare

The reverse celebrates the Triumph of Corbulo in Armenia in 63 and depicts Nero's Colossus, a once 120-foot tall bronze statue of the Emperor as Sol that was created by Zenodorus for the vestibule of the Domus Aurea - the massive palace constructed by Nero after the Great fire of Rome in AD 64. It became symbolic of Neronian excess and although expunged from the skyline shortly after his deposition of AD68, is at least preserved in the foundations of the Flavian Ampitheatre completed on the site a decade later, better remembered today as 'the Colosseum'.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£1,300

Starting price
£700