Watch List notes:

Nero. Sestertius; Nero; 54-68 AD, Rome, 65-6 AD, Sestertius, 28.88g. BM-178, C-262 (Gréau Sale), RIC-274. Obv: NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P Head laureate l. Rx: ROMA in exergue, S - C across field, Helmeted Roma seated l. on cuirass and other arms (two shields and a helmet), l. foot on another helmet, holding Victory and parazonium. From the John Whitney Walter Collection, purchased from Harlan Berk, 11 December 1993. An unusual reverse variant with Roma's parazonium resting on a helmet which itself rests diagonally atop two shields. Another similar specimen: Gorny & Mosch 181, 12 October 2009, lot 2070; a corresponding dupondius, Paris 381, pl. LI.The portrait of Nero on this sestertius is outstanding. It not only has a beautiful image of the face, but shows 5 o'clock shadow in the lower part of his jaw. The seated Roma on the reverse is also extremely elegant. Dark green patina. EF