Fine provincial drachm struck in Antioch in AD 63, featuring portraits of Emperor Nero and his second wife, Poppaea Sabina.
Poppaea Sabina, Nero’s second wife, is portrayed in ancient sources as a highly ambitious and influential figure. Her appearance on provincial coinage, such as this tetradrachm from Antioch, carried both prestige and propaganda value. While female portraits were relatively rare on the imperial coinage of Rome itself, they were far more common in the eastern provinces, particularly in Syria and Egypt.
In AD 63, when this coin was struck, the Roman Empire was engaged in a difficult conflict with the Parthians over Armenia. Featuring both Nero and Poppaea on coinage emphasized dynastic unity and the stability of the imperial household in the face of external threats. For the people of Antioch, a major commercial and strategic hub, this issue also served as a tangible reminder of their connection to the imperial center.
Ex. Leu Numismatik, 18 Auction, 18 December 2021, lot 2145.
Harshly cleaned and with some scratches.
Roman Provincial
Syria, Nero (54-68), Drachm 63, Antioch mint
Obverse: laureate head right
ΝΕΡΩΝ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΣ
Reverse: draped bust of Poppaea right
ΠΟΠΠΑΙΑ ΝΕΡΩΝΟΣ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΥ
Diameter 17 mm, weight 3.59 g
