Nero, 54-68, Sestertius

Nero. Sestertius, AE (orichalcum). Reign AD 54–68; struck at Rome, AD 65–66. 21.84 g; 33 mm.

Laureate head of Nero right; legend NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P. Temple of Janus with the doors closed; legend PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT; S C in the fields. Struck at Rome on a reduced-weight flan (underweight issue for the type). RIC I2 438. The reverse proclaims the ceremonial closure of the Temple of Janus, a statement that peace for the Roman people had been achieved on land and sea. This claim, attested on Nero’s coinage around AD 65–66, echoes Augustan precedents and illustrates the use of the imperial bronze series—issued under senatorial authority (S C)—as a medium for broadcasting state messages. The message proved short-lived as new conflicts, including the Judaean revolt beginning in AD 66, soon followed.