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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Nero 170

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Nero 170. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Nero. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Nero, laureate, right, with aegis on neck, with the legend NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P. The reverse shows nero, bare-headed, cuirassed, cloak flying behind, prancing right on horseback, holding spear; in front and behind, mounted soldier riding left holding vexillum over shoulder, with the legend DECVRSIO S C.

Related types with the same reverse, struck at other mints or with different marks or bust details, are consolidated here and listed under varieties: RIC I (second edition) Nero 508.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
8
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Nero was the final Roman emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, reigning from AD 54 until his suicide in AD 68. The adopted heir of Emperor Claudius, he ascended the imperial throne with the backing of the Praetorian Guard and the Senate. This sestertius, a large brass coin of the Roman Empire worth two and a half asses or a quarter of a denarius, was struck for Nero at the imperial mint of Rome.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Nero

Design

Obverse
Head of Nero, laureate, right, with aegis on neck
Reverse
Nero, bare-headed, cuirassed, cloak flying behind, prancing right on horseback, holding spear; in front and behind, mounted soldier riding left holding vexillum over shoulder
Obverse legend
NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P
Reverse legend
DECVRSIO S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Nero 170
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P
Reverse legend to match
DECVRSIO S C
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC I (second edition) Nero 165

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC I (second edition) Nero 166

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC I (second edition) Nero 171

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC I (second edition) Nero 172

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC I (second edition) Nero 173

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC I (second edition) Nero 508

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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