Object Based Learning

Bronze Sestertius of Nero

Description


Made of bronze alloy, this sestertius was minted between 62 and 68 CE during the reign of Emperor Nero. The obverse depicts the laureate head of Nero, encircled with the inscription NERO CLAVDIVS CAES AVG GERM PM TR P IMP PP.

The reverse depicts Nero's arch, a structure that was built to commemorate Roman victory over the Parthians in 58CE, topped by a foward facing quadriga driven by Nero. To his left there is Pax (Peace), and to his right is Victory. The stage below displays two figures of soldiers and in the niche on the left there is Mars armed with spear and shield. The arch is heavily ornamented with an attached wreath. The arch is flanked by the inscription S C - senatus consultum.

The inscription on this coin can help to date its minting as Nero adopted various titles throughout his reign. For example, during the reign of Claudius, Nero adopted the name DRVSVS which he then dropped after his death, subsequently adopting GERM for Germanicus, the name of his grandfather, in 66CE.

Details

Title:
Bronze Sestertius of Nero
Collection:
ACANS
Url:
https://mq.pedestal3d.com/r/vftdMUXgia
Tags:
Numismatics,Coins,Artefact,Rome,Roman,Rome's Impact of the Provinces,Daily Life,
Fields:
Modern History (Year 11 & 12), Ancient History (Year 11 & 12)
Accession
18A02
Date
62-68 CE
Provenance
Rome
Material/s
Bronze alloy
Dimensions
34mm diameter
Source
Australian Centre for Ancient Numismatic Studies, ACANS

Resources

  • Historical Concepts and Skills: Analysis and Use of Sources
    • Explain the meaning and value of sources for an historical inquiry (ACHAH007, ACHAH009)
    • Analyse sources to identify and account for the different perspectives of individuals and groups in the past (ACHAH010)
    • Analyse and synthesise evidence from different types of sources to develop reasoned claims (ACHAH008)
    • Identify and analyse problems relating to sources in the investigation of the past (ACHAH011)
  • Historical Concepts and Skills: Historical Interpretation
    • Analyse the extent and nature of continuity and change over time (ACHAH001)
    • Identify and analyse the varying causes and effects of events and developments in order to construct historical arguments (ACHAH001)
    • Form judgements about historical significance, recognising that significance may be attributed for different purposes
  • Historical Concepts and Skills: Historical Investigation and Research
    • Use evidence from a range of sources to inform investigation and research (ACHAH005)
  • Stage 6 Syllabus link: Option J: The Julio-Claudians AD 14-69
    • Development of the Principate
    • Sub point: changing role of the princeps under the Julio-Claudian rulers: Tiberius, Gaius (Caligula), Claudius, Nero
    • The imperial family and problems of the succession: Livia, Julia, Germanicus, Agrippina the Elder, Messalina, Agrippina the Younger
    • Consequences of the death of Nero

  • Barrett, A. 2020. Nero (Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus). The Encyclopedia of Ancient History. Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
  • Cassius Dio, Roman History, Cary, E., (1925), Harvard University Press.
  • Drinkwater, J. 2018a. Agrippina and Her Legacy. Nero: Emperor and Court. Cambridge University Press.
  • Drinkwater, J. 2018b. Nero, 'Bad' or 'Good'. Nero: Emperor and Court. Cambridge University Press.
  • Stevenson, W.S. 1982. Dictionary of Roman Coins, London, B. A. Seaby Ltd.
  • Suetonius, The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Thompson, A., (1889), Gebbie & Co., [accessed via Persues Digital Library]
  • Sutherland, C.H.V. 1984. The Roman Imperial Coinage: 31 BC-AD 69, London, Spink and Son Ltd.
  • Object profile and educational resources developed by Magali Smith.

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Cite This Page

ACANS (2024). Bronze Sestertius of Nero, 18A02. //sveltekit-prerender/artefacts/18a02/ (accessed on: Fri Aug 02 2024).

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