A Damnatio Memoriae Coin?

336, Lot: 254. Estimate $150. Sold for $1100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Dupondius (30mm, 16.23 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 64. Radiate head left / Victory flying left, holding wreath and palm frond; II (mark of value) in exergue. RIC I 199; WCN 196. Fine, dark green patina, numerous scratches on obverse. Unusual.

This Nero dupondius was altered in antiquity with the name of Nero erased and the portrait re-engraved to more closely resemble either Vitellius or Vespasian. A very interesting piece and perhaps a form of damnatio memoriae.