NERO. 54–68 AD. AV Aureus, Rome, 64–65 AD (7.35 g, 18 mm, 6 h).

NERO. 54–68 AD. AV Aureus, Rome, 64–65 AD (7.33 g, 18 mm, 6 h).

Obv. NERO CAESAR. Laureate head of Nero to right, with thick neck and strong features, the locks arranged in heavy waves.

Rev. AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS. The Emperor radiate, standing facing, head left, holding olive branch in right hand and Victory on globe in left; a rare type linking the princeps with divine attributes of peace and conquest. Refs: RIC I² 46; Cohen 44; Calicó 402. Ex Numismatik Lanz 74, 20 November 1995, lot 398.

A boldly struck aureus from Nero’s mid-reign, distinguished by the fine portrait style of the Rome mint engravers. The reverse design is particularly notable: the radiate emperor combines the imagery of Sol Invictus with symbols of imperial ideology—an olive branch for peace and a Victory on globe for universal dominion. The legend AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS emphasizes continuity with his father Germanicus, evoking both dynastic legitimacy and military prestige.

Issued in the aftermath of the disastrous fire of 64, when Nero’s regime was under intense scrutiny, this coin projects a carefully curated image of a ruler both victorious and divinely sanctioned. The broad flan and well-centered strike allow the full legends and figure to be appreciated, while the radiate crown prefigures later associations of emperors with solar divinity. Some minor edge faults and light surface marks, otherwise a lustrous piece, well struck and of attractive style. Extremely Fine. Ex Numismatik Lanz 74, 20 November 1995, lot 398.