Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 117 19-20 May 2021
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Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Sestertius (35.5mm, 27.87 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 64. NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head left / S C across field, DECVRSIO in exergue, Nero, bareheaded, wearing cuirass, short tunic, and cloak floating behind him, on horse prancing left, carrying spear in rest in right hand; behind him, a soldier also on horseback left, carrying a vexillum in right hand, sloped over right shoulder. RIC I 166; WCN 115; BMCRE 152-3; BN –. EF, attractive brown and green patina. Fine style.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 72 (16 May 2013), lot 611 (hammer CHF 10,000).
Various theories have been proposed as to why some of Nero's late portraits show him sporting a scruffy "chin beard," as seen on this sestertius. Some have seen it as a nod to Hellenism, while others view it as a feeble attempt to hide his growing
weight. The most likely explanation is that this is Nero's "beard of mourning" for the death of his daughter, Claudia Augusta, in mid-AD 63.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 72 (16 May 2013), lot 611 (hammer CHF 10,000).
Various theories have been proposed as to why some of Nero's late portraits show him sporting a scruffy "chin beard," as seen on this sestertius. Some have seen it as a nod to Hellenism, while others view it as a feeble attempt to hide his growing
weight. The most likely explanation is that this is Nero's "beard of mourning" for the death of his daughter, Claudia Augusta, in mid-AD 63.