2017-06-21 Wed

Nero has always been remembered for his cruel and self-indulgent nature. His people were not happy during his regime and it all came to an end by 64 CE. A Roman coin commemorates the so-called divine intervention that prevented his death during a Pisonian Conspiracy.

Nero talked about the destruction of Troy and Rome burned during the fires of 64 CE. Even then, he constructed the Domus Aurea, the “Golden House”. This made the general public even more furious for his irrational behaviour.

A conspiracy was made to replace him with a wealthy senator Gaius Calpurnius Piso, which almost became a success. A freed former slave named Milichus discovered the conspiracy and reported the same to Nero’s secretary. Nero executed many important personalities and forced the philosopher Seneca the Younger, the poet Lucan and author Petronius to commit suicide.

He thought that it was God who saved him from this conspiracy. Jupiter the Guardian inscribed as "Custos" - one who preserves and saves was attributed this intervention. Very soon though, Nero committed suicide on 9th June 68 CE after facing execution as a public enemy.

Both aurei and denarii used this type of inscription. A “Salus” type was also issued representing the well-being of the emperor. This coin was found during an excavation of Pompeii, under the ash of Mt. Vesuvius for 1,800 years. It has deep blue and red tones as it was exposed to sulfuric conditions under the ash from Pompeii.

This 7.27 g Aureus dated 64-65, features NERO CAESAR – AVGVSTVS Laureate head on the obverse and IVPPITER – CVSTOS Jupiter seated l. on a throne, holding thunderbolt and long sceptre on the reverse.