The Macellum Magnum

322, Lot: 517. Estimate $200. Sold for $260. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Dupondius (29mm, 13.26 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck circa AD 65. Laureate head right / Façade of the Macellum Magnum: statue standing facing on base within cylindrical tetrastyle entrance set on tiered base, upper tristyle story surmounted by ornate conical dome; two-story tristyle porch on either side. RIC I 399; WCN 498. Near VF, green patina, smoothing, area of fill behind Nero’s head.

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.