172, Lot: 179. Estimate $200. Sold for $316. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Dupondius (30mm, 14.02 g). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck circa AD 65. Laureate head right, very small globe at point of bust / Facade of the Macellum Magnum. RIC I 399; BMCRE -; WCN 488. Near VF, brown patina with some rub on the high points, some roughness and field marks.

From The John A. Seeger Collection.

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.