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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Nero 487

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Nero 487. Denomination: Semis. Authority: Nero. Mint: Lugdunum. The obverse shows head of Nero, bare, left; small globe at point of neck, with the legend NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM.

The reverse shows table decorated with two sphinxes or gryphons confronting; on top, urn and wreath; round shield resting on leg, with the legend CER QVINQ ROM CON S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
7
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 suicide in AD 68, representing the final ruler of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. His reign involved practical administrative attention to diplomacy, trade, and culture, during which he ordered the construction of amphitheaters and promoted athletic games and contests. This bronze coin was struck at the mint of Lugdunum under his authority.

The denomination of this piece is a semis, a Roman bronze coin valued at half an as, which in the early Imperial period could buy a wax writing tablet. Following the coinage reforms of Augustus in 23 BC, the denomination was issued infrequently before ceasing under Hadrian. The reverse bears the inscription "CER QVINQ ROM CON S C" alongside a table bearing an urn, a wreath, and a resting shield, while the obverse displays Nero accompanied by the legend "NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Semis

Technical characteristics

Mint
Lugdunum
Authority
Nero

Design

Obverse
Head of Nero, bare, left; small globe at point of neck
Reverse
Table decorated with two sphinxes or gryphons confronting; on top, urn and wreath; round shield resting on leg
Obverse legend
NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM
Reverse legend
CER QVINQ ROM CON S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Nero 487
Denomination and metal
Semis, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM
Reverse legend to match
CER QVINQ ROM CON 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 486

    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.
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