Ancient Alexandria Egypt 54-68 AD Nero/Eagle Tetradrachm Very Fine (VF20)

Ancient Alexandria Egypt 54-68 AD Nero/Eagle Tetradrachm Very Fine (VF20)

First annexed by Augustus after the defeat of Cleopatra VII and Marc Antony in 30 BC, Egypt was an extremely important part of the Roman Empire. By the time that Nero became Emperor, it was one of the empire's most valuable territories, mainly because it supplied grain to Rome. A stable Egypt was crucial, as if grain shipments were disrupted, it could lead to unrest within Rome itself. Though Nero reportedly never visited Egypt, he was highly interested in it, and had an unusual facination with the Nile River, sponsoring expeditions to explore the source of the Nile, which had intrigued Mediterranean civilizations for centuries. These expeditions likely reached as far as modern-day Sudan, making it one of the earliest recorded attempts by Romans to explore central Africa. After Nero's death in 68 AD, the Roman Empire experienced brief rebellions and instability, including within Egypt, but the province remained under Roman control and continued to function as a crucial economic backbone.

Obverse: Laureate Nero facing right, with the legend around.
Reverse: An eagle standing three quarters to the left with a palm and simplum, the legend around.

Specificiations:
Emperor: Nero (Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus) (54-68)
Composition: Billon
Weight: approx. 12.5 g
Diameter: approx. 24 mm
Die Axis: ↑↑
Mint: Alexandria, Egypt