Rare, 2,000-year-old Roman coin discovered in Jerusalem

Updated 21st September 2016
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Rare, 2,000-year-old Roman coin discovered in Jerusalem
Written by Oren Liebermann, CNNJerusalem
Archaeologists have discovered a gold coin in Jerusalem bearing the face of Nero, the Roman Emperor best known for playing the fiddle while Ancient Rome burned.
The coin was likely struck in 56-57 AD, researchers say. The Romans took control of the city in 63 BC after what became known as the Siege of Jerusalem.
"The coin is exceptional because this is the first time that a coin of this kind has turned up in Jerusalem in a scientific dig," said Shimon Gibson, co-director of the excavation.
One side of the coin, known in Latin as an aureus, shows a portrait of Nero as Caesar. Many Roman emperors took the title of Caesar or Augustus to mean emperor.
The lettering around the edge says "NERO CAESAR AVG IMP," referring to his name and position. The reverse of the coin shows an oak wreath with the letter "EX S C" and "PONTIF MAX TR P III," which allowed archaeologists to date the coin.

High-quality gold

The coin was discovered at the Mount Zion archaeological dig, south of the Old City of Jerusalem, where a University of North Carolina-Charlotte team has been excavating throughout the summer.
Depiction of Nero standing amid the ruins of Rome as it burns
Depiction of Nero standing amid the ruins of Rome as it burns Credit: Kean Collection/Archive Photos/Getty Images
"Because it is gold, there is no erosion," said Rafael Lewis, a professor of archeology at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. "You can see the name of Nero, the fact that he was an emperor, and everything is there. Every bit of information is clear. Unlike bronze coins or silver coins, this one doesn't erode."
"The gold is also of a very high quality. We are talking about 24 carats," Lewis added. "99% of the coin is gold."
The location of the find suggests that large houses in the area may have belonged to the wealthy priestly caste, Gibson said, and the coin may have come from one of their homes.

Lavish spender

There is no evidence that Nero ever visited Jerusalem, Gibson said.
Nero served as Emperor of Rome from 54-68 AD, after rising to power as a teenager. He was known for his lavish spending -- often on himself -- at the expense of the Roman population, and for his cruelty. The Roman historian Tacitus reported that Nero even had his mother and wife put to death.
Nero ruled during Rome's Great Fire in 64 AD, when parts of the city burned for five days. Many Romans held him responsible for the fire, Tacitus wrote, believing he burned down the city so he could rebuild it to his liking.