© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Nero CONG II DAT POP S C; Minerva
| Bronze | 24.6 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 | 24.6 g |
| Diameter | 35 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#246718 |
|---|---|
| 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: 23.03–26.08 g;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 side, 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 knowledge, or to promote the idea that his rule was blessed by the gods.
