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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Nero 6

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Nero 6. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Nero. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows jugate busts, right of Nero (in forefront), bare-headed and draped at back of neck, and Agrippina the Younger, draped and bare-headed, with the legend NERO CLAVD DIVI F CAES AVG GERM IMP TR P COS.

The reverse shows quadriga of elephants, left, bearing two chairs with figures of Divus Claudius and Divus Augustus, both radiate, with the legend AGRIPP AVG DIVI CLAVD NERONIS CAES MATER EX S C.

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 Roman emperor from AD 54 until his death in AD 68, the final ruler of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Born in AD 37 to Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and Agrippina the Younger, he was adopted by Emperor Claudius after Claudius married Agrippina. Following Claudius's death in AD 54, Nero ascended the throne backed by the Praetorian Guard and Senate, with his early reign guided by his mother.

Struck at the Rome mint, this gold aureus formed part of the standardized imperial gold coinage that served as the primary gold denomination of the Roman Empire, originally valued at 25 silver denarii. The coin features Nero alongside his mother, Agrippina the Younger, styled on the reverse as "AGRIPP AVG DIVI CLAVD NERONIS CAES MATER EX S C". The reverse imagery depicts a quadriga of elephants carrying figures of the deified emperors Divus Claudius and Divus Augustus, referencing Nero's dynastic heritage through both his adoptive father Claudius and his maternal ancestor Augustus.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Nero

Design

Obverse
Jugate busts, right of Nero (in forefront), bare-headed and draped at back of neck, and Agrippina the Younger, draped and bare-headed
Reverse
Quadriga of elephants, left, bearing two chairs with figures of Divus Claudius and Divus Augustus, both radiate
Obverse legend
NERO CLAVD DIVI F CAES AVG GERM IMP TR P COS
Reverse legend
AGRIPP AVG DIVI CLAVD NERONIS CAES MATER EX S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Nero 6
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
NERO CLAVD DIVI F CAES AVG GERM IMP TR P COS
Reverse legend to match
AGRIPP AVG DIVI CLAVD NERONIS CAES MATER EX 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
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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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