Roman Empire, Nero (54-68 AD), Æ Dupondius, SPQR Countermark

The 'SPQR' countermark and its derivatives (QR, PR, SPR, etc) are only found on later-reign Æ coinage of Nero from Lugdunum. The countermarks were applied by Gallic rebels under the command of rebel governor Gaius Julius Vindex in circa 68 AD. Vindex swore allegiance to would-be Emperor Servius Sulpicius Galba. He was defeated in a battle against loyalist legions stationed in Germania before he could join up with Galba's forces. Galba, of course, fared little better. Interestingly, all of these civil war countermarks appear in the same location, directly across Nero's neck.

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.