AE Dupondius, A.D. 64-68, Rome, 28mm, 14.65g, 180°, RIC 296.
Obv: NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P. Radiate head right.
Rev: Roma, helmeted, in military dress, seated left on cuirass, surrounded by arms; S C in field, ROMA in ex.
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Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus was Roman Emperor from 54 to 68. He was the adopted heir of Claudius and rose to power upon his death. Claudius was likely murdered by Nero's mother Agripinna.

During his reign, Nero focused much of his attention on diplomacy, trade, and enhancing the cultural life of the Empire. He ordered theaters built and promoted athletic games. Nero played the lyre, wrote songs and poetry and even performed publicly which is unusual behavior for an Emperor. He also participated in the Olympic games of 67 in Greece where he raced a 10-horse chariot and was nearly killed after being thrown from it. Rome had several military successes during his reign; the general Corbulo conducted a successful war and negotiated peace with the Parthian Empire. The general Suetonius Paulinus crushed a revolt in Britain and also annexed the Bosporan Kingdom, which sparked the First Roman–Jewish War.

In 64, most of Rome was destroyed in a massive fire, which many Romans believed Nero himself had started in order to clear land for his planned palatial complex, the Domus Aurea. According to Tacitus, to deflect scrutiny, Nero blamed the Christians for the fire and ordered them to be thrown to the dogs, crucified, and burned. Nero's rule is often associated with tyranny and extravagance. He is known for many executions, including those of his mother and possibly his stepbrother, Britannicus. However, sources also portray him as being popular with the common Roman people. Reliability of ancient sources makes a true study of Nero problematic.

In 68, the rebellion of Vindex in Gaul and later the acclamation of Galba in Hispania drove Nero from the throne. Facing assassination, he committed suicide on 9 June 68. His death ended the Julio-Claudian Dynasty, sparking a brief period of civil wars known as the Year of the Four Emperors.