| Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 144 with CNG & NGSA | Auction date: 8 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 1038 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, Lugdunum circa 66, Æ 37 mm, 24.94 g. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG PONT MAX TR POT P P Laureate head l., with globe at point of bust. Rev. S – C Triumphal arch, adorned with wreath across front; above, the emperor in facing quadriga flanked by figure of Victory, on r., and Pax, on l. On the sides of the platform, two small figures of soldiers; on l. side of arch, statue of Mars holding spear and round shield. Reference C 309 BMC 333 RIC 500 CBN 139 Condition A bold portrait struck in high relief on a very large flan with a superb dark green patina gently smoothed on reverse, otherwise extremely fine Provenance Lanz sale 112, 2002, 348 NAC sale 52, 2009, 353 NAC sale 59, 2011, 928 From the Paulo Leitão collection Note: Like many Roman monuments, the appearance of the Arcus Neronis is known only from its illustrations on coinage. Details about the date and the location of the arch, which probably did not long survive Nero's downfall, are sketchy. However, coins provide an excellent and detailed understanding of its form, while offering some notable variety in the reliefs, decorative elements and statues that adorned it. It is generally believed that the arch was erected for victories over the Parthians by the general Corbulo, 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 the archaeological record, though it may have been near the Temple of Vejovis or the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus. This sestertius was issued during one of the rare moments of 'universal peace' in the Empire. Suetonius (Nero 15) describes the visit to Rome of Tiridates, Nero's candidate for the throne of Armenia, following Corbulo's victories over the Parthians. Tiridates made a ceremonial supplication to Nero and was crowned king of his homeland, after which "the people then hailed Nero as Imperator and, after dedicating a laurel-wreath in the Capital, he closed the double doors of the Temple of Janus, as a sign that all war was at an end." Estimate: 6000 CHF |  |
