Auction 87 - Ancient Coins

Nero (54-68), Sestertius, Rome, AD 64; AE (g 27,53; mm 34; h 6); NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head r., Rv. Triumphal arch decorated with friezes of battle scenes surmounted by statue of emperor in quadriga accompanied by Pax and Victory, flanked by two soldiers; inside niche of arch, a nude statue of helmeted Mars; in field, S - C. RIC 147; C 308.
A very appealing portrait struck in high relief on a full flan, and an exceptionally detailed reverse composition. Pleasant riverine patina, good extremely fine.

Citing from Numismatica Ars Classica: "Coins sometimes are the only evidence that survives to illustrate lost Roman monuments, such as the Arcus Neronis, a monument that probably did not long survive Nero’s downfall. Details of the date and the location of the arch are sketchy, but the coinage provides an excellent understanding of its form, and, with some variety, we can appreciate the relief’s decorative elements and statues that adorned it. It is generally accepted that the arch celebrates the victories of the general Corbulo over the Parthians, and that it was built on the Capitoline Hill sometime between 58 and 62. Its precise location has not been determined from ancient sources or from archaeological investigation, though proximity to the Temple of Vejovis or the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus have both been suggested."

Nero (54-68), Dupondius, Rome, AD 64; AE (g 13,85; mm 28; h 6); NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P IMP P P, radiate head r., Rv. SECVRITAS - AVGVSTI, Securitas seated r., holding sceptre; on r., altar, against which leans torch resting on bucranium; in ex. II. RIC 191; C 326.
Magnificent portrait struck in high relief, delicate riverine patina, good extremely fine.

Nero (54-68), Sestertius, Rome, AD 65; AE (g 26,51; mm 35; h 7); NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG G - ER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head r., wearing aegis, Rv. Roma seated l. on cuirass., holding Victory and parazonium; in field, S - C; in ex. ROMA. RIC 273; C 261 var (bust).
Green tone, large flan; somewhat smoothed, otherwise extremely fine.

Nero (54-68), Dupondius, Rome, AD 65; AE (g 14,86; mm 29; h 6); NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, radiate head r., Rv. Roma seated on cuirass l., holding wreath and parazonium; in field, S - C; in ex. ROMA. RIC 296; C 280.
Stylish portrait, brown reddish tone; somewhat smoothed, otherwise good extremely fine.

Nero (54-68), As, Lugdunum, AD 66-67; AE (g 11,57; mm 29; h 6); IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P MAX TR P P P, bare head r., globe at point of bust, Rv. Victory flying l., holding shiel inscribed S P Q R; in field, S - C. RIC 543; C 302.
Green tone, minor die break on reverse, extremely fine - good extremely fine.

Nero (54-68), As, Lugdunum, AD 66-67; AE (g 11,15; mm 27; h 6); IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P MAX TR P P P, bare head r., globe at point of bust, Rv. Victory walking l., holding shield inscribed S P Q R; in field, S - C. RIC 543; C 302.
Expressive portrait, dark green tone, extremely fine.

Nero (54-68), Sestertius, Rome, AD 67; AE (g 25,26; mm 36; h 7); IMP NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P XIII P P, laureate head r., Rv. PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT, view of the Temple of Janus, decorated with garlands and with door closed; in field S - C. RIC 354; C 145.
Expressive portrait struck on a large flan, green tone, somewhat smoothed otherwise extremely fine.

Galba (68-69), Aureus, Tarraco, April AD 68; AV (g 7,17; mm 18; h 6); IMP - GALBA, laureate head r., with globe at point of bust, Rv. DIVA - AVGVSTA, Livia, draped, standing l., holding patera and leaning on sceptre. RIC –, cfr. 14 (denarius); C –, cfr. 43 (denarius); Calicó 470.
Of the highest rarity, apparently only the forth specimen known. Peculiar portrait struck in high relief, good extremely fine / extremely fine.

Galba (68-69), Aureus, Rome, July AD 68 - January AD 69; AV (g 7,30; mm 19; h 5); IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG, laureate and draped bust r., Rv. Rv. DIVA - AVGVSTA, Livia, draped, standing l., holding patera and leaning on sceptre. RIC 188; C 54; Calicó 472.
Very rare. An expressive portrait struck on a large flan; reddish tone, extremely fine.

Galba (68-69), Sestertius, Rome, October AD 68; AE (g 25,53; mm 32; h 7); IMP SER GALBA - CAES AVG TR P, laureate head r., Rv. LIBERTAS - PVBLICA, Libertas standing l., holding pileus and vindicta; in field, S - C. RIC 347; C 125.
Rare. Bold portrait and green tone; somewhat gently smoothed, otherwise extremely fine.

Galba (68-69), Sestertius, Rome, December AD 68; AE (g 25,14; mm 34; h 5); SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P, laureate and draped bust l., Rv. Galba, in military dress, standing r. on podium, accompanied by praetorian prefect behind him, addressing two helmeted soldiers, each with shields and one with spear, a horse facing between them. Before podium, two tunicate cursores, and in background, vexillum, signum and aquila; in ex. ADLOCVTIO / S C. RIC 468.
Extremely rare. Naturalistic portrait struck on a full flan; brown tone with spots of cuprite deposits, somewhat smoothed, anyway about extremely fine.

Galba (68-69), Bronze, Antiochia, AD 68-69; AE (g 15,00; mm 29; h 12); IM SER SVL G - AL CAE, laureate head r., Rv. S C, within laurel wreath. RPC 4314.
A magnificent portrait and an appealing green patina, extremely fine. [Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 46, 2008, lot 520]