RIC 10- Nero AV Quinarius- BM- Joe Geranio photo Collection.

RIC 1 10- Nero AV quinarius- 55-56 AD struck is the only one known in the existence of the Julio Claudian dynasty.  For Nero’s reign which lasted from 54-68 AD and to only have this one under 14 years of his rule does raise red flags?  the coin is definitely genuine, but could it have been a test coin by the die-engravers?  even Caligula’s reign of less then 4 years has more on the Market?  Was the denomination under Nero going to be started as a denomination?  We know with is AR silver denarius became debased during his reign and as a donative in my opinion would have been too expensive and thus eliminated?  But; we have this beautiful quinarius still available to look at ; at the British Museum Which acquired the specimen in 1867 from the Blacas collection  Pliny brings up Nero’s monetary reform in 63-64 AD.  With the building of the Domus Aurea and other extravagant things Nero wanted, the AV quinarius denominatio, just doesn’t seem to fit into his principate.  It must be a test strike in my opinion that never came to fruition.  After all his bronzes, Aureii and denarii are plentiful In comparison?   These are my thoughts only.  Joe Geranio Photo Collection-   Julio Claudian Iconographic Association.