ANCIENT THEMES. Nero. AD 54-68. AR “Sestertius” (35.5mm, 18.35 g, 12h). By Giovanni da Cavino (1500-1570). Later cast. VF.

Keystone 17 – The W. Toliver Besson Collection
Lot: 338. Estimated: $ 200

Paduan and Related Medals, Silver

Sold For $ 1 600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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ANCIENT THEMES. Nero. AD 54-68. AR “Sestertius” (35.5mm, 18.35 g, 12h). By Giovanni da Cavino (1500-1570). Later cast. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG G ER P M TR P IMP [...], laureate bust right; trace of aegis at point of bust / Port of Ostia: seven ships within the harbor; at the top is a pharus surmounted by a statue of Neptune; below is a reclining figure of Tiber, holding a rudder and dolphin; to left, crescent-shaped pier with portico, terminating with figure sacrificing at altar and with building; to right, crescent-shaped row of breakwaters or slips, terminating with a figure seated on rock; AVG VSTI above, S P Q R OST C below. Cf. Johnson & Martini 1391-1402 (for type). Toned, scratches, area of smoothing(?). VF. A rare silver cast.

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 430 (10 October 2018), lot 482; ArtCoins Roma e23 (17 February 2015), lot 1215.

When compared to those listed by Johnson & Martini, the arrangement of the obverse legend and of the ships in the harbor are distinctly different on this example. It may not trace back to the work of Cavino himself, and may instead be a somewhat later copy.

Closing Date and Time: 22 July 2026 at 11:52:20 ET.



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