Emperor Nero Tetradrachm (#2)

Coin info:

• Denomination: Tetradrachm (made from billion, a combination of silver and copper)
• Authority: Emperor Nero
• Date: 54 - 68 CE
• Design: Bust of Nero on obverse, various rulers and mythological figures on reverse

From the stories of tyranny and debauchery to his unmistakable chin, Emperor Nero is easily one of the most infamous leaders in Roman history.

He certainly had a strong affinity to violence—Nero attempted to murder his own mother several times before finally succeeding, and also killed at least one of his wives. His demise ended the Judio-Claudian dynasty and left a legacy of chaos, leading to the disastrous "Year of Four Emperors" that left Rome without a clear ruler. However, the one thing Nero probably didn't do was famously play the fiddle as Rome burned down—though his reputation for sadism and cruelty certainly make it believable.

These tetradrachms were minted in Alexandria, Egypt. At the time, Alexandria was not a traditional part of the Roman Empire but rather the emperor's personal possession. Even Roman senators were not allowed to visit the area without the express permission of the emperor, and coins minted within Egypt did not circulate outside the region. The reverse side of these coins vary, depicting over 150 variants of royals, Egyptian deities, and other figures.

All purchases include a Certificate of Authenticity. You will receive the exact coin in this photo, along with a glass top leatherette display box.