Reproduction Dupondius of Nero - Roma

Obverse: Radiate head of Nero right. Text around NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P.

Reverse: Roma in military uniform seated left on cuirass, right foot on helmet, holding Victory and parazonium; around and behind, various shields. Text to either side S C, in exergue ROMA.

History: In mid July AD 64 the Great Fire of Rome erupted. The fire started in densely populated areas like the Suburra, in which had been built the insulae, wooden dwellings, built on three or four floors. The fire burned for a week. The confused population searched for a scapegoat and soon rumours held Nero responsible. Nero found a scapegoat of his own and chose for his target a small Eastern sect called the Christians. He ordered known Christians to be thrown to the lions in arenas, while others were crucified in large numbers. This coin commemorates Nero’s rebuilding of large parts of Rome following the great fire.

Date: Rome mint, Circa AD 65

Diameter: 2.8cm