Sestertius - Nero (CONG II DAT POP S C; Minerva) (62-68) front Sestertius - Nero (CONG II DAT POP S C; Minerva) (62-68) back
Sestertius - Nero (CONG II DAT POP S C; Minerva) (62-68) photo
© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica

Sestertius - Nero CONG II DAT POP S C; Minerva

 
Bronze 20.34 g -
Description
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
20.34 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#246717
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Nero, bare-headed and togate, seated left, 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

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 the reverse, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Nero. Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts, and was often depicted with an owl, which symbolized wisdom and knowledge. The inclusion of Minerva on this coin may have been a way to emphasize Nero's association with wisdom and intellect, as he was known for his artistic and literary pursuits.