Watch List notes:

The Roman Empire
Nero caesar, 50 – 54

Sestertius, Thracian mint 50-54, Æ 21.80 g. NERONI CLAVDIO DRVSO GERMANICO COS DESIG Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. EQVESTER / OR – DO / PRINCIPI / IVVENT on shield with vertical spear behind. C 99. BMC Claudius p. 195 † and pl. 37, 4. RIC Claudius 108. CBN Claudius 288. Von Kaenel, SNR 63, N3 (these dies).
Very rare and in unusually good condition for the issue. Green patina
somewhat smoothed in field, otherwise good very fine

Ex Triton sale XVI, 2013, 1044.

This coin type belongs to a late series of bronzes issued by Claudius that were dynastic in nature. Here he has named Nero as his intended successor (PRINCIPI IVENT). The coin type is quite rare but stylistically quite similar to the preceding lot. The reverse type with shield and spear relates to the naming of Nero as Princeps Iuventutis. These design elements relate to the presentation by the Roman cavalry (or knights) to the young princeps. This reverse type relates back to the same type under Augustus for Caius and Lucius (see lot 82 above).

Nero has clearly been chosen here as the heir to Claudius, surely after the prodding of Agrippina. Pre-accession coinage of Nero is quite common and almost seems needlessly excessive. This creates our first opportunity to follow the development of an emperor from a young child into a mature adult. Some of the coin types are common; however the Nero bronzes as princeps are all rather rare. This in contrast to the tremendous outpouring of bronzes minted under Nero as emperor. MSG.