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The Macellum Magnum

244, Lot: 407. Estimate $500.
Sold for $1200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Dupondius (30mm, 15.56 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyons) mint. Struck circa AD 65. Laureate head left, small globe at point of bust / Façade of the Macellum Magnum: statue standing facing on base within cylindrical tetrastyle entrance set on tiered base, upper tristyle story surmounted by ornate conical dome; two-story tristyle porch on either side. RIC I 402; WCN 507. VF, green surfaces, some light smoothing and strengthening of details.


The Macellum Magnum was Nero's great provision-market probably dating from AD 59. This magnificent structure, originally occupying the middle of a square lined with porticoes and shops, was located on the Caelian Hill. It survived in its original state until the late 4th century when its dilapidated condition necessitated a major reconstruction. During the turbulent 5th century the building again fell into partial ruin and in the latter part of the century it was transformed under Pope Simplicius (468-482) into the church of S. Stefano Rotondo.