NERO (54-68). Sestertius. Rome.

Obv: NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P.
Laureate head right.
Rev: PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT / S - C.
Garlanded Temple of Janus with closed doors to left and latticed windows to right.

RIC² 268 (bust with aegis).

The building depicted on the reverse is the oldest sanctuary of Janus, located in the Roman Forum; it consisted of an arch with two entrances and housed a statue of the god at the centre of the doorway. To date, no remains of the temple have been found and its exact location is unknown; its appearance is known mainly from coins. The temple was closed during periods of peace, as was the case during the reigns of Augustus and Nero. According to Suetonius, it was closed three times in quick succession under Nero, because peace had been established on land and at sea (as the legend on the reverse of this sestertius indicates). The emperor celebrated the occasion by bringing a laurel wreath to the Capitoline Hill and closed the Temple of Janus as if there were no more wars to be fought. The temple was opened for the last time during the reign of Gordian III, before his departure for a military campaign against the Sasanians in 242.

Condition: Good very fine.

Weight: 26.97 g.
Diameter: 35 mm.

Estimate: 2500,00 €