© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Nero ANNONA AVGVSTI CERES S C; Ceres and Annona
| Bronze | 26.4 g | 35 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Nero (Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus) (54-68) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 62-68 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 26.4 g |
| Diameter | 35 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#246343 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Ceres, right, veiled and draped, seated left, holding corn-ears and torch, facing Annona, draped, standing right, right hand resting on hip, left holding cornucopiae; in center, modius on garlanded altar right; behind, ship's stern.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ANNONA AVGVSTI CERES S C
Translation:
Annona Augusti Ceres, Senatus Consultum.
The grain supply of venerable Ceres. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 20.2–30.12 g;Diameter varies: 34–36 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the image of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility, on one side, and Annona, the personification of the Roman Empire's grain supply, on the other. This coin was minted during the reign of Emperor Nero, who was known for his extravagance and excesses, but also for his efforts to improve the Roman economy and infrastructure. The fact that this coin was made of bronze, a relatively inexpensive metal, suggests that it was intended for everyday use by ordinary people, rather than being a high-value coin reserved for the elite.
