© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Denarius - Nero PONTIF MAX TR P VIII COS IIII P P EX S C; Virtus
| Silver | 3.6 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Nero (Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus) (54-68) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 61-62 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.6 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#246207 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Virtus, helmeted, in military dress, standing left, right foot on helmet among shield, holding long spear in left hand and parazonium in his right hand and resting it on right knee
Script: Latin
Lettering: PONTIF MAX TR P VIII COS IIII P P EX S C
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestas Octava, Consul Quartus, Pater Patriae, Ex Senatus Consultum
High priest, tribunician power for the eighth time, consul for the fourth time, father of the country. By decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.51–3.63 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman emperor Nero, who was known for his extravagance and tyranny, yet the coin's reverse side bears the image of Virtus, the personification of virtue and moral excellence. This contrast between the coin's obverse and reverse sides has led some historians to interpret it as a commentary on the tension between the emperor's personal character and the idealized values of the Roman state.
