© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Nero CONG II DAT POP S C; Minerva
| Bronze | 25.8 g | 37.5 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 | 25.8 g |
| Diameter | 37.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#246366 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Nero, bare-headed and togate, seated right, on platform, right; praefectus annonae standing behind; in front, attendant standing left, giving tessera to citizen right; Minerva, head left, holding owl and spear; tetrastyle building to left.
Script: Latin
Lettering: CONG II DAT POP S C
Translation:
Congiarium Secundum Datum Populo, Senatus Consultum.
The second congiarium (distribution of money to the civilians) given to the people. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 24.88–26.25 g;Diameter varies: 35–40 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, while the other side bears an inscription that translates to "Nero, son of the divine Augustus, pontifex maximus, in the second year of his tribunician power, father of the country" (CONG II DAT POP S C). This highlights the importance of Minerva in Roman mythology and culture, as well as Nero's attempt to associate himself with divine authority.
