Ancient Coins

A Coin of Nero

Actual Size

A coin of Nero struck by Two Procurators

(Governors) of Ancient Judaea

AD 270 - 275

This bronze Prutah was initially struck by Procurator (Governor) Antonius. This ex-slave, who was freed by Claudius, is mostly remembered in history because St. Paul was brought before him for trial! (See acts 23:24 and 24:10)

The vast majority of these coins, however, were struck by the next Procurator, Porcius. Careful reading of acts 25 through 28 will provide convincing proof of the humanity and fairness of Festus. During Paul's ordeals at the hands of the authorities, he did his utmost to defend Paul. If it had not been for Festus, Paul would not have been able to conduct his ministry for the coming years. Festus probably had no idea how he contributed to the growth of Christianity!

The obverse of the coin carries Nero's name in Greek surrounded by a wreath. The reverse has a palm leaf with "Caesar" written in Greek near the edges of the coin.

These coins were crudely struck and it is very difficult to read the inscriptions. Nero bronzes are relatively rare and are worth acquiring as they were coins that were widely used in the Holy Land during the Apostle period.