Semis - Nero CER QVINQ ROMAE CONS S C

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.