Art Institute of Chicago

Tetradrachm (Coin) Portraying Emperor Nero

Roman, minted in Alexandria, Egypt

Date

64-65

Medium

Billon

Culture

Egypt

Department

Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

The front (obverse) of this coin portrays the head of Emperor Nero, facing right, and radiate. The back (reverse) portrays the bust of Poppaea (second wife of Nero, who was her third husband), facing right. The back includes the date of minting, " L IA", which is the eleventh year of his rule as emperor, or 64-65 CE. Nero reigned from 54-68 CE. Poppaea and Nero married in 62 CE. Coins such as this tetradrachm were struck to advertise the new imperial couple. Both portraits convey a sense of confidence and determination.

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