Nero, as Augustus (AD 54-68). AE sestertius (32mm, 24.42 gm, 6h). NGC Choice VF 4/5 - 3/5, edge filing, edge crack, hammered. Rome, ca. AD 65. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head of Nero right / PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT, three-quarter view of temple of Janus with latticed window on left, front doors closed on right, garland draped across arched entrance; S-C across fields. RIC I 264 var. (bust type). The Temple of Janus was one of the oldest structures in the Roman Forum. In keeping with the spirit of Janus, the two-faced god, the temple had large doors on two opposing sides. According to tradition, the doors were kept open in wartime and closed during times of peace. The closing of the Temple doors was a rare event, even during the Pax Romana. In AD 66, having recently concluded a favorable peace treaty with Parthia, Nero closed the doors with great fanfare and marked the occasion on his coinage. HID09801242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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