CVC & Collectables presents a historically rich AE Sestertius of Emperor Nero, struck circa AD 64 and certified NGC VG. Cataloged as RIC I 170, this impressive bronze issue features Nero with an aegis on his shoulder—a distinctive attribute—and a reverse depicting a decursio, or mounted military parade, emphasizing imperial strength and order.
Coin Highlights:
- Emperor: Nero (AD 54–68)
- Date: Struck circa AD 64
- Mint: Rome (formerly attributed to Lugdunum)
- Denomination: Sestertius
- Material: Bronze (Orichalcum)
- Obverse: NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P; laureate head of Nero right, aegis on shoulder
- Reverse: DECVRSIO; Nero on prancing horse right, holding spear; behind him, cavalryman riding left with vexillum over shoulder; S–C across fields
- References: RIC I 170; BMC 143; Cohen 83
- Grade: NGC VG
Early Life and Ascendancy: Nero, born on December 15, AD 37, in Antium, Latium, was the stepson and heir of Emperor Claudius. After his father’s death around AD 40, his mother, Julia Agrippina, raised him. Agrippina, a formidable figure, maneuvered Nero into power by marrying her uncle, Emperor Claudius, and persuading him to favor Nero over his own son, Britannicus. She eliminated rivals and poisoned Britannicus, ensuring Nero’s path to the throne. In AD 54, the Praetorian Guard proclaimed Nero emperor at age 17.
Early Reign: During the early years of his reign, Nero’s mother, Agrippina, and his advisors, Burrus and Seneca, influenced him. However, as Nero asserted his independence, Agrippina’s influence waned, leading to her forced retirement. Despite his later notoriety, Nero’s early reign included several positive reforms. For example, he ended secret trials, reduced taxes, and banned capital punishment and bloodshed in circus contests. Additionally, Nero, known for his acts of clemency, promoted cultural competitions in poetry, theatre, and athletics. He also provided assistance to disaster-stricken cities and offered aid to the Jews at the request of historian Flavius Josephus.
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