CVC & Collectables presents this, AD 54-68 Nero Egypt, Alexandria Rv Augustus BI Tetradrachm, graded by NGC as Very Fine, dates back to the reign of Nero, who was the fifth Roman emperor, reigning from AD 54 to 68. The AD 54-68 Nero Egypt, Alexandria BI Tetradrachm features on the obverse the bust of Emperor Nero facing right, and on the reverse, depicts the bust of Augustus. This coin not only represents a period of Roman history but also reflects the complex legacy of one of its most controversial emperors.
Early Life and Ascendancy: Nero, born on December 15, AD 37, in Antium, Latium, was the stepson and heir of Emperor Claudius. After his father’s death around AD 40, his mother, Julia Agrippina, raised him. Agrippina, a formidable figure, maneuvered Nero into power by marrying her uncle, Emperor Claudius, and persuading him to favor Nero over his own son, Britannicus. She eliminated rivals and poisoned Britannicus, ensuring Nero’s path to the throne. In AD 54, the Praetorian Guard proclaimed Nero emperor at age 17.
Early Reign: During the early years of his reign, Nero’s mother, Agrippina, and his advisors, Burrus and Seneca, influenced him. However, as Nero asserted his independence, Agrippina’s influence waned, leading to her forced retirement. Despite his later notoriety, Nero’s early reign included several positive reforms. For example, he ended secret trials, reduced taxes, and banned capital punishment and bloodshed in circus contests. Additionally, Nero, known for his acts of clemency, promoted cultural competitions in poetry, theatre, and athletics. He also provided assistance to disaster-stricken cities and offered aid to the Jews at the request of historian Flavius Josephus.
Controversies and Decline: Nero’s reign is infamous for his personal debaucheries and extravagances. Allegedly, he was involved in the burning of Rome and known for persecuting Christians. Consequently, his autocratic rule and controversial actions sparked both admiration and opposition.
Coin Highlights:
- Emperor: Nero
- Metal: Billion
- Grade: Very Fine
- Strike: 5/5 Surface 4/5
- Time period: AD 54-68
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