The Roman Empire
Nero augustus, 54 – 68
Dupondius circa 64, Æ 14.64 g. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P Radiate head r. Rev. MAC – AVG / S – C View of the Macellum of Nero, consisting of a rounded central part with a domed roof, a statue of Neptune on the ground floor and a gallery on the upper story, on l. and r., projecting two-story colonnaded wings; below, II. C 130. BMC –. WCN 203. RIC 184. CBN 318
Rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. Lovely
green patina and good extremely fine
Ex Nomos Fixed Price list Winter-Spring 2009, 100.

Nero spent most of his life (and money) building the Domus Aurea (golden house). One of the few public projects which he was responsible for was the Macellum Magnum shown on this coin (he also completed the Port of Ostia but that project was largely completed by Claudius before he became emperor). This structure was a large market ostensibly for fish sales to the elite for their lavish dinner parties. The common man likely didn’t have the funds to purchase anything here. Just another reason for the plebs to grow weary of Nero. This is as good as they get for the issue. I have never seen another that comes close to the quality of this piece. Worthy of the finest collection! MSG.