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Semis - Nero CER QVINQ ROMAE CONS S C
| Issuer | Roman Imperial Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 62-68 |
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| Value | 1 Semis = 1/2 As = 1⁄32 Denarius |
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| Obverse description | Bare-headed, laureate bust of Emperor Nero facing left, depicted with characteristic youthful features, thick curling hair rendered in fine relief, and a draped shoulder. The effigy is executed in a bold, high-relief hammered style typical of Neronian bronze coinage. A beaded border frames the design. The circular Latin legend runs along the periphery, fully naming the emperor with his titles. |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS (Translation: Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. Nero Claudius, Caesar, emperor (Augustus), victor over the Germans.) |
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| Additional information |
The CER QVINQ ROMAE CONS reverse refers to the Neronia, a Greek-style festival Nero established in 60 AD modeled on the Olympian games, which included musical, gymnastic, and equestrian competitions. The games were deeply unpopular with the Roman senatorial class, who viewed the spectacle as undignified. Nero used the mint at Rome to publicize the institution aggressively — this semis belongs to a group of bronzes that functioned as much as propaganda as currency.
Suetonius records that Nero competed in the Neronia himself and was, predictably, awarded every prize.