Lot 2805

Description

Nero, (54-68 A.D.), AE As, 31mm, (12.32 g), Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, struck circa AD 65, obv. laureate head left, small globe at point of neck, NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER PM TR P IMP P (sic), rev. facade of the Macellum Magnum, with a statue standing facing on base within cylindrical tetrastyle entrance set on tiered base, upper tristyle story surmounted by ornate conical dome; with a two-story tristyle porch on either side, MAC AVG, S C in exergue, (cf.S.1963, RIC I 402, WCN 507, Lyon 85). Light brown patina, light roughness, very fine and rare.

Ex Spink, London, 20 December, 1994, as a private purchase.
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.