Lot 196: Nero. Contorniate Style Fantasy Æ35 / Snake and Altar 
AUCTION: Ancient Imports (Auction 314)
- Sold Winning Bid: $300
- 1 Bid(s)
Nero. Contorniate Style Fantasy Æ35 / Snake and Altar
Attribution: Cf. Mabbott 4873 (same reverse type)
Date: Middle Ages?
Obverse: NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP PP, Laureate head of Nero left, globe at point of bust
Reverse: Coiled snake right, lit altar to right, tree to left
Size: 35.77mm
Weight: 21.25 grams
Notes: VF. A very interesting and unique piece that seems to have been created from an original sestertius. It bears the same reverse type as a contorniate in the Mabbott collection lot 4873 which dates to 340-420 AD. I considered the possibility that this was an original contorniate but there is a lack of the typical palm frond in the obverse field and the fact that the reverse patina is different leads me to believe that it is a later piece.
- Offered By: Marc Breitsprecher
- Lot #: 196
- Listing #: 199641
- Closed: Wednesday, December 10, 2014 5:37:30 PM CT
- Estimate: $500