© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Nero CONG I DAT POP S C; Minerva and Liberalitas
| Bronze | 27.7 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 | 27.7 g |
| Diameter | 35 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#246360 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Nero, bare-headed and togate, seated right, on platform, left; official seated right on another platform extending congiarium to citizen with small boy behind him; Minerva, head left, holding owl and spear, and Liberalitas on right, holding tessera.
Script: Latin
Lettering: CONG I DAT POP S C
Translation:
Congiarium Primum Datum Populo, Senatus Consultum.
The first congiarium (distribution of money to the civilians) given to the people. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 25.21–30.08 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 an image of the Roman goddess Minerva on one side and the personification of Liberalitas, or "Liberality," on the other. This juxtaposition of a deity and a personification was a common theme in Roman coinage and reflects the importance of both religious and secular values in Roman society. Additionally, the coin's imagery may have been intended to promote the idea of the Roman Empire as a place of wisdom, prosperity, and generosity.
