Nero, as Augustus (AD 54-68). AE sestertius (34mm, 25.49 gm, 6h). NGC Fine 5/5 - 1/5. Rome, AD 64. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate bust of Nero right, aegis on left shoulder / AVGVSTI / SPQR OST C, overhead view of port of Ostia with seven cargo ships, ringed by circular row of docks and crescent-shaped piers and porticos; pharos bearing statue of Neptune above, reclining statue of Tiber holding rudder in right hand and dolphin in left below. RIC I 178. BMCRE 131. Cohen 37. Despite the wear associated with the grade, the piece retains a good deal of it's iconic imagery which make it a highly collectable item. The port of Ostia was strategically located at the mouth of the Tiber river and quickly became a primary port for Rome. This coin commemorates the completion of the multi-year building project though the exact date of completion is unknown to history. This type continues to be one of the most sought after Roman architectural type coins along with the Colosseum, Pharos of Egypt, Circus Maximus and Trajan's Forvm. The relative rarity is curious given the fact that large numbers must have been struck over a three to four year period with output from two mints.

HID09801242017

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