Sale: CNG 67, Lot: 1328. Estimate $600.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 September 2004.  Sold For $600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

NERO. 54-68 AD. Æ Sestertius (25.52 gm). Rome mint. Struck circa 64 AD. Laureate head right / Triumphal arch surmounted by statue of the emperor in a quadriga preceded by Pax, holding caduceus and cornucopiae, and Victory, holding wreath and palm; two nude figures standing on either side of pediment ornamented with Victories; helmeted statue of Mars in side niche of arch; pedestals decorated with friezes of battle scenes. RIC I 149; WCN 90; BMCRE Plate 48, 4; Cohen -. VF, dark olive patina, minor obverse flan flaws. ($600)

From the Tony Hardy Collection.

This monumental triumphal arch was erected by Nero to commemorate Roman military campaigns against the Parthians in Mesopotamia and Armenia. Although not entirely successful, especially as Paetus lost almost his entire army at Randeia in Armenia, the war did end with a peace treaty favorable to Rome that was maintained for nearly fifty years. This coin type is vitally important for architectural historians, for the arch was dismantled after Nero's suicide in 68 AD, and is only known through its depiction on the coins.