Posted on 09/16/2016 8:35:08 AM PDT by NRx
An exceptionally rare gold coin emblazoned with the face of the Roman Emperor Nero dating back to around A.D. 60 has been discovered by archaeologists working on excavations on Mount Zion in Jerusalem.
The coin, which archaeologists say most likely came from a Jewish home, was found in the ruins of wealthy villas from the first century A.D. and according to the archaeologist Shimon Gibson "belonged to the priestly and aristocratic quarter located in the Upper City of Jerusalem".
Gibson, who is an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and part of the team carrying out the excavations, said: "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. Coins of this type are usually only found in private collections, where we don't have clear evidence as to place of origin."
Emperor Nero ruled from A.D. 54 to 68, and is renowned for his persecution of Christians. The coin shows his face in profile, surrounded by the inscription "NERO CAESAR AVG IMP."
On the back of the coin there is an oak wreath and the inscriptions "EX S C" and "PONTIF MAX TR P III."
According to archaeologists, these inscriptions date the coin's creation to either A.D. 56 or A.D. 57.
(Excerpt) Read more at christiantoday.com ...
I’ve got a coin here with Peter Nero’s face on it, not the same thing though...
Always tryna get my hopes up....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.