| Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 144 with CNG & NGSA | Auction date: 8 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 1032 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot  | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: The Geoffrey Cope Collection of Ancient Greek and Roman Bronzes. The Roman Empire. Nero augustus, 54 – 68. Description Sestertius, Roma circa 64-67, Æ 35 mm, 29.60 g. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P IMP P P Laureate bust r., wearing aegis. Rev. ADLOCVT COH S C Nero standing left on daïs with praetorian prefect, addressing three soldiers, two of whom hold standards; tristyle domed building behind. Reference C 1 var. (GER) BMC pg. 219 note RIC 132 CBN – Condition Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, undoubtedly among the finest specimens known of this important and interesting issue. A bold portrait struck in high relief and a wonderful chocolate brown patina. Extremely fine Provenance Dorotheum sale 13th June 1955, Apostolo Zeno, 225 Note: The scene on the reverse of this sharply struck sestertius of Nero depicts the emperor saluting three Praetorian guardsmen while attended by the prefect himself. In the background can be seen what is presumably the brick walls of the praetorian camp, the Castra Praetoria, located just beyond Rome's religious boundary line (pomerium) to the east of the Quirinal and Viminal Hills. The type reuses a scene found on sestertii of Caligula that were used by that emperor to pay a promised donative to his guardsmen, which indicates a similar purpose for its use under Nero. Even if this is not the case, though, the majestic nature of the type could do nothing but serve to endear the emperor to his troops. The execution here is exceptional, with every detail distinct from the emperor's youthful portrait to the straps and laces on the guardsmen's sandals. Nero, of course, was careful to cultivate good relations with the Praetorian Guard as he owed his power principally to two of his prefects, Burrus and then Tigellinus. Additionally, the praetorians had already elevated one emperor to the throne, and perhaps Nero realised that they could just as easily remove an emperor, as indeed they were to prove on future occasions. Estimate: 25000 CHF |  |
