NERO, 54–68. AV Aureus

NERO, 54–68. AV Aureus (7.03 g), Rome, 65–66. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate and bearded head of Nero right. Rev. SALVS, Salus seated left on an ornate throne, holding patera in right hand and resting left arm on the throne’s side. RIC I 59; Cohen 313; Calicó 443a.

Struck in the final years of Nero’s reign, this aureus presents the emperor with his distinctive mourning beard, grown after the death of his wife Poppaea. The reverse depicts Salus, the personification of health and well-being, a reassuring emblem to the populace during a time of political intrigue and public anxiety. The elegant style of the portrait, combined with the balanced composition of the reverse, reflects the artistry of the Rome mint at its height. Rich gold surfaces enhance the appeal of this handsome piece.