Bid SheetAuction 144 with CNG & NGSA 8 May 2024
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Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 144 with CNG & NGSA 8 May 2024
Auction 144 with CNG & NGSA 8 May 2024
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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."
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."