Silver Tetradrachm - Ancient Rome, c. 54-68 AD
Ruler: Nero
Obv: Radiate head of Nero with Aegis, right
Rev: Eagle with outstretched wings on Thunderbolt, palm branch, right
Provincial Issue, Mint: Antioch, struck 64 AD.
This coin is an example of the Talmudic "sela' neronis", referenced in Mishnah (Kelim).
(Sear GI618) 26mm, 14.52 gm
Nero was Roman Emperor from 54 to 68, and the last in the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Nero was adopted by his grand-uncle Claudius to become his heir and successor, and succeeded to the throne in 54 following Claudius' death.Nero focused much of his attention on diplomacy, trade and enhancing the cultural life of the Empire. He ordered theatres built and promoted athletic games. During his reign, the redoubtable general Corbulo conducted a successful war and negotiated peace with the Parthian Empire. His general Suetonius Paulinus crushed a revolt in Britain. Nero annexed the Bosporan Kingdom to the Empire and began the First Roman–Jewish War.
