The Macellum Magnum

279, Lot: 455. Estimate $400. Sold for $400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Dupondius (28mm, 12.64 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 64. Radiate head right / Façade of the Macellum Magnum; II (mark of value) in exergue. RIC 184. Near VF, brown and green patina, light roughness. Scarce.

From the Bruce R. Brace Collection, purchased from the Hughes Collection, 1952.

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.