Nero, 5th Roman Emperor (54-68 AD). Nero was adopted by the Emperor Claudius after Claudius married Nero's mother Agrippina the Younger. He initially was popular with the Praetorian Guard and the lower-class commoners, but detested by the Roman aristocracy.
He was described as tyrannical, self-indulgent and debauched and he committed suicide after being declared a public enemy by the Roman Senate.
The Boudican Revolt (60-61 AD) and the first Jewish-Roman War (66-73 AD) took place during Nero's reign.
Nero's coinage is varied, artistically refined and often with attractive designs such as the Temple of Janus, Annona and Ceres, Roma, and Victory. They show the development of his imperial image from youthful princeps to mature ruler. A major point of interest is his AD 64 coinage reform, which reduced the weight and purity of the gold aureus and silver denarius. This marked an important moment in the monetary history of the Roman Empire and influenced later imperial coin standards.
His bronze coinage is also very collectable, particularly sestertii with large, detailed reverse designs. Portrait style is another key appeal: Nero’s coins range from elegant youthful portraits to the heavier, distinctive later portraits with thick neck and elaborate hairstyle. Because of his controversial reputation and dramatic reign, Nero’s coins remain among the most recognisable and sought-after issues of the Julio-Claudian period.
