Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Nero

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by the emperor Nero in 56 or 57 AD. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse has the bare head of Nero facing to the right. The legend 'NERO. CAESAR. AVG. IMP' identifies the emperor and his titles Caesar (now a title rather than a family name), Augustus, and Imperator (military commander).

The early years of Nero's reign began well. He had Seneca, the famous stoic philosopher, as a tutor, aided by Burrus, a commander of the praetorian guard. Nero promised a return to the principles of Augustus. Soon, however, he showed the erratic and brutal behaviour he became noted for.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-635-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C10463
• Date: 56 - 57
  Minted in 56 or 57 AD
  
• Material: Silver; parts of edge a little ragged; generally moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. NERO . CAESAR . AVG . IMP; bare head to right / Rev. PONTIF . MAX . TR . P . III . P [.] P . around; bar over III; EX S C across middle, within oak-wreath
  Coin Type: RIC (revised edition) 12
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 x 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 1.5
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC (revised edition) 12
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Nero
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Empire
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Nero, Rome, AD 56 - 57
  
• References:
  • Sutherland, C.H.V. The Roman Imperial Coinage. From 31 BC to AD 69. Vol. 1, revised ed. London: Spink and Son Ltd, 1984. 
• Translations:
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