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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Nero 59

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Nero 59. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Nero. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Nero, laureate, right, with beard, with the legend NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS.

The reverse shows salus, draped, seated left, on ornamental throne, holding patera in right hand and resting left hand on side, with the legend SALVS.

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, born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, was the final Roman emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, reigning from AD 54 until his suicide in AD 68. He ascended the imperial throne following the death of his adoptive father, Emperor Claudius, backed by the Senate and the Praetorian Guard. His governance encompassed cultural promotion, trade, diplomacy, and military campaigns across the Roman Empire before he was declared a public enemy.

Struck at the Rome mint, this gold aureus represented the primary gold denomination of the Roman Empire, which had been standardized during the imperial era and originally valued at 25 silver denarii. The obverse presents a laureate, bearded head of the emperor accompanied by the inscription "NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS". The reverse pairs the legend "SALVS" with an image of Salus, who is depicted draped and seated on an ornamental throne holding a patera.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Nero

Design

Obverse
Head of Nero, laureate, right, with beard
Reverse
Salus, draped, seated left, on ornamental throne, holding patera in right hand and resting left hand on side
Obverse legend
NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS
Reverse legend
SALVS

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Nero 59
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS
Reverse legend to match
SALVS
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

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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