© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Nero ANNONA AVGVSTI CERES S C; Ceres and Annona
| Bronze | 35.2 g | 35.5 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 | 35.2 g |
| Diameter | 35.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#246345 |
|---|---|
| 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
Unabridged legend: Annona Augusti Ceres, Senatus Consultum
Translation: The grain supply of venerable Ceres. Decree of the senate
Comment
Mass varies: 24.95–88.54 g;Diameter varies: 34–39 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility, on one side, and Annona, the goddess of the harvest, 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 interest in the arts and culture. The fact that this coin features two goddesses associated with agriculture and fertility may suggest that Nero was trying to promote the idea of abundance and prosperity during his reign.
