RIC I (second edition) Nero 196
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC I (second edition) Nero 196. Denomination: Dupondius. Authority: Nero. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Nero, radiate, right, with the legend NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P.
The reverse shows victory flying left, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left, with the legend VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C II. The obverse shows head of Nero, radiate, right, with the legend NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P. The reverse shows victory flying left, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left, with the legend VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C II.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 5
- 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 Roman emperor from AD 54 until his death in AD 68, serving as the final ruler of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Adopted by Claudius after his mother Agrippina married the emperor, Nero took power with the support of the Senate and the Praetorian Guard. His governance focused heavily on diplomacy, trade, and culture, and his administration struck coinage from the mint at Rome.
The dupondius was a base-metal Roman denomination valued at two asses, or half a sestertius. In everyday commerce at the height of the Roman Empire, one dupondius roughly equalled the cost of a loaf of bread or a sextarius of wine. During Nero's reign, the emperor was depicted with a radiate crown to distinguish the dupondius from the similarly sized as. This Rome issue displays the radiate head of Nero alongside the obverse title "NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P", while the reverse carries the legend "VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C II" and depicts Victory flying left holding a wreath and a palm.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Bronze
- Denomination
- Dupondius
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Nero
Design
- Obverse
- Head of Nero, radiate, right
- Reverse
- Victory flying left, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left
- Obverse legend
- NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P
- Reverse legend
- VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C II
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC I (second edition) Nero 196
- Denomination and metal
- Dupondius, Bronze
- Obverse legend to match
- NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P
- Reverse legend to match
- VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C II
- 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. 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
- RIC / OCREric.1(2).ner.196
Varieties
RIC I (second edition) Nero 199
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 377
Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks 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.