CVC & Collectables presents this ancient Roman provincial Bronze AE20 of Emperor Nero, struck in AD 55 at Side in Pamphylia, features a portrait of Nero and a reverse depicting the goddess Athena. Cataloged as RPC I 3401, this coin represents the provincial bronze coinage issued during the early years of Nero’s reign. Certified NGC Very Good (VG), this example displays an attractive green patina and recognizable ancient designs.
Coin Highlights
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Empire: Roman Empire
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Emperor: Nero (AD 54–68)
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Region: Pamphylia, Asia Minor
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City: Side
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Date: AD 55
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Denomination: AE20
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Composition: Bronze
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Reference: RPC I 3401
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Obverse Legend: ΝΕΡⲰΝ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ
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Obverse: Laureate and draped bust of Nero facing right
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Reverse Legend: CIΔ-HT
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Reverse: Athena advancing left, carrying a spear, shield, and pomegranate, with a serpent in the lower left field
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Grade: NGC Very Good (VG)
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Certification: NGC Ancients
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Certification Number: 8560333-020
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Appearance: Green patina with areas of darker coloration
Design & Devices
Obverse: Features the laureate and draped bust of Emperor Nero facing right, surrounded by the Greek inscription ΝΕΡⲰΝ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ, identifying him as Nero Caesar. The portrait reflects the artistic traditions of Roman provincial mints, which frequently combined imperial imagery with Greek inscriptions.
Reverse: Depicts Athena advancing left, holding a spear and shield, along with a pomegranate. A serpent appears in the lower left field, while the inscription CIΔ-HT identifies the issuing city of Side.
Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and strategic defense, was an important figure in the religious traditions of the eastern Mediterranean. The pomegranate is particularly significant as a symbol associated with Side and its civic identity.
Historical Significance
The ancient city of Side, located in Pamphylia along the southern coast of modern-day Turkey, was an important commercial and maritime center during the Roman period.
Although Side operated under Roman imperial authority, it retained many elements of its Greek cultural heritage, including local religious traditions and Greek-language coin inscriptions.
This coin was issued in AD 55, shortly after Nero became emperor in AD 54. Its combination of Nero’s imperial portrait and Athena’s provincial imagery demonstrates how Roman authority and local identity were represented together on circulating coinage.
Emperor History – Nero
Nero (AD 54–68) was the fifth Roman emperor and the final ruler of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. He became emperor at approximately seventeen years of age following the death of Claudius.
During the early years of his reign, Nero governed with the assistance of influential advisers, including the philosopher Seneca and the praetorian prefect Burrus.
His reign later became associated with political instability, the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64, and increasing opposition from members of the Roman aristocracy.
In AD 68, Nero’s rule ended amid widespread rebellion, bringing the Julio-Claudian dynasty to a close.
Collectibility
This RPC I 3401 AE20 offers collectors an opportunity to acquire an early provincial issue of Emperor Nero from the ancient city of Side.
Its distinctive Athena reverse, green patina, and Greek inscriptions make it an interesting example of Roman provincial coinage. Certified NGC VG, the coin exhibits circulation wear consistent with its assigned grade while retaining identifiable historical features.
