Rare gold coin engraved with Roman emperor

American archaeologists found a gold coin engraved with a Roman emperor beneath the ruins of a noble mansion in Jerusalem.

The gold coin , born around 60, was discovered during excavation at the Zion mountain in Jerusalem, in the middle of the ruins of a noble mansion built in the 1st century, Live Science reported yesterday.

Gold coin engraved with Roman emperor Nero.(Photo: UNC Charlotte).

The coin features the emperor Nero, reigning the Roman empire from 54 to 68, surrounded by the inscription "Nero Caesar AVG IMP". Behind the coin is an oak tree with the words "EX SC" and "Pontif MAX TR P III". These inscriptions indicate that coins were produced in the year 56 or 57.

"Gold coins are special because this is the first time this type of coin appears in an excavation area in Jerusalem instead of in private collections," said Shimon Gibson, a professor at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. America, who is the head of the excavation team, said.

Ruins of ancient Roman noble mansion.(Photo: UNC Charlotte).

According to Gibson, the noble and clergy mansion is located in the middle of Jerusalem's wealthy neighborhood. The neighborhood along with many other places in Jerusalem was destroyed during the siege of the Roman army in the year 70. Most likely the coin was hidden and lost during this period.

The mansion was discovered by archaeologists in 2013, amidst many Murex sea snail shells, a raw material to produce a popular expensive purple dye in the first century. This discovery indicates the class Jewish clergy may play a role in running the ancient dye manufacturing industry, Gibson speculated.