★ The Port of Ostia ★

NERO (54-68). Sestertius. Rome.

Obv: NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P.
Laureate bust right, wearing aegis.
Rev: AVGVSTI / S POR OST C.
Port of Ostia: seven ships within the harbor; above, pharus surmounted by a statue of Neptune; below, river Tiber reclining, holding rudder and dolphin; to left, crescent-shaped pier with portico; to right, crescent-shaped row of breakwaters or slips.

RIC² 178.

In 42 AD, due to the silting up of the river harbor of Ostia, emperor Claudius began the construction of a large seaport, located north of the mouth of the Tiber. The system included a large basin, with two curved piers and many docks, dominated by a large multi-story lighthouse, reminiscent of the famous lighthouse at Alexandria. All these elements are visible on the reverse of this Sestertius, including the personification of the Tiber River. The harbor was finished in 64 AD by Nero, who renamed it 'Portus Augusti,' as the reverse legend recalls.

Condition: Near very fine.

Weight: 21.81 g.
Diameter: 33 mm.