Nero AR Tetradrachm, Alexandria, RY 14, Actian Apollo, star, radiate left

Nero, Tetradrachm, Silver, reign AD 54–68; Alexandria, regnal year 14 (AD 67–68), 13.45 g, 25 mm. Obverse: ΝΕΡΩ ΚΛΑΥ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒ ΓΕΡ ΑΥ, L ΙΔ; radiate bust of Nero left, wearing aegis; regnal date L ΙΔ (year 14) in field. Reverse: ΑΚΤΙΟΣ ΑΠΟΛΛΩΝ; laureate and draped bust of Actian Apollo right with quiver over shoulder; star control symbol in right field. Struck at Alexandria on the provincial tetradrachm standard with Greek legends and regnal dating; variety with left-facing radiate portrait and star control. Cited in RPC I 5317.

Historical significance: Roman Egypt issued its own dated tetradrachms at Alexandria, the principal fiduciary silver of the province, with legends in Greek and the year marked by the L numeral system. The reverse names Actian Apollo, the deity of the sanctuary at Actium associated with Octavian’s victory over Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BC, a cornerstone of the Augustan regime and of Roman rule in Egypt. Struck in Nero’s regnal year 14 (AD 67/68), the type references the enduring Augustan Actium tradition and its continued use in imperial imagery during Nero’s final year.