MOESIA INFERIOR. Callatis. Nero, 54-68. (Bronze, 23.5 mm, 6.74 g, 12 h), c. 54-58/9. NERO CAESAR AVG IMP Bare head of Nero to right. Rev. ΚΑΛ/ΛΑΤΙΑ/Ν within a grain wreath. Mouchmov 258. RPC I 1802.7 ( this coin ). Varbanov 234. Rare. Clear and with brownish patina. Minor roughness, otherwise, very fine.

From the collection of Major Anthony F. Milavic, USMC (Ret.), ex Lanz 97, 22 May 2000, 492.

This coin is most unusual because its obverse inscription is in Latin and the city name on the reverse is in Greek. Why did this happen? And why did Callatis produce such a singular issue, bearing a bare head of the young Nero? Could it be that these coins were minted for some unrecorded games that included both the local inhabitants and visiting Roman military personnel?