Roman Empire, Nero, 54-68, Didrachm 63-65, Caesarea-Eusebia, extremely rare, NGC graded Ch AU ★
9BIXG
Sign InDescription
Roman Empire. Cappadocia. Caesarea-Eusebia. Nero (AD 54-68) with Divus Claudius. AR Didrachm AD 54-68; 23mm; 7.52 g.; struck circa AD 63-65.
Obverse: Laureate head of Nero right // Reverse: Laureate head of Claudius right.
RPC I 3647 corr. (rev. legend); RIC I 620 corr. (obv. legend); Sydenham, Caesarea 68.
Extremely rare type with perhaps unique dies of the most extraordinary style, on superb metal. Quite simply amongst the finest Roman portraits extant.
NGC graded Ch AU ★ fine style noted. Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5 Fine Style
Comment
Judging by the bust that so perfectly captures Nero's disturbing blend of cruelty, petulance and self-satisfaction, the artist who engraved the dies may well have known the emperor, as he frequented Greek Arts festivals as both a self-styled musician and actor, and spent his time carousing with local artists of note. On the reverse, the artist has Deified Claudius bearing an expression of shock and dismay presumably at his nephew's murderous behaviour.
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