Ancient, Celtic, British and World Coins. Historical and Art Medals

Nero (AD 54-68), Semis, 65, Lugdunum, bare head left, nero clavd caesar avg germ, rev. table with urn on left and wreath on right, 5.19gm (RIC 487; BMC 392; Sear 1982). Fine, green patina (£30-40)

These small coins commemorate the Neronian games inaugurated in 60. Edward Sydenham, writing in 1917, described their introduction after the death of Agrippina, in a lively, if disapproving manner: “Nero now began to throw off all restraint, giving free play to his vanity and degraded tastes, which at first amused and finally exasperated the Roman people past endurance. The Games were held with unprecedented magnificence. Musical, gymnastic and equestrian contests, in imitation of the Greek games, were included amongst other attractions, in which Nero himself took part”