Sale: Nomos 6, Lot: 137. Estimate CHF850.  Closing Date: Monday, 7 May 2012.  Sold For CHF1150. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Nero. AD 54-68. Quadrans (Bronze, 3.09 g 7), 64. NERO CLAV CAE AVG GER Owl, with spread wings, standing facing on garlanded altar. Rev. P M TR P IMP PP / S C Upright olive branch. BMC 288. Cohen 185. RIC 260. WCN 354. A remarkably fine example with an attractive brown patina. Good extremely fine.

This is an exceptionally fine piece. The owl relates to Minerva, as does the olive branch on the reverse (this branch has been termed a laurel branch, but the shape of the leaves makes this unlikely; as does the association with the owl).