315, Lot: 375. Estimate $500. Sold for $380. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Nero. As Caesar, AD 50-54. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 26.77 g, 6h). Uncertain Balkan/Thracian mint. Struck AD 51-54. NERONI CLAVDIO DRVSO GERMANICO COS DESIG, bareheaded and draped bust right / EQVESTER/ OR DO/ PRINCIPI/ IVVENT in four lines on shield; vertical spear behind. Von Kaenel, "Britannicus, Agrippina Minor und Nero in Thrakien," SNR 63 (1984), N2, pl. 25, 36 (same dies); RIC I 108 (Claudius). Fine, dark green patina, smoothing. Rare.

From the R. D. Frederick Collection.

Sestertii and dupondii in the name of Britannicus, Agrippina Jr., and a young Nero have been found localized in the Balkan region and were most likely struck at a local mint servicing the legions guarding the border. The missing S C is consistent with a provincial issue not struck under the nominal authority of the Roman Senate.

The title of princeps iuventutis was constitutionally recognized under Augustus when he had this title bestowed on his grandsons, Gaius and Lucius Caesars. The ceremonial shield and spear of the ordo equester attempted to link the heir to the Roman cavalry. By this time, however, the equestrian order had long-since been divested of its military connections.