It dates back to 56 AD - 14 years before the Romans destroyed Jerusalem
The discovery is the first golden coin of its kind to be found in the area
The coin bears the face of Emperor Nero, who led the Roman empire 54-68 AD
By Shivali Best For Mailonline
Published: 14:51 GMT, 15 September 2016 | Updated: 16:54 GMT, 15 September 2016
Archaeologists in Jerusalem have uncovered a rare gold coin bearing the image of the Roman Emperor Nero.
Coins of this type are extremely rare, and are usually only found in private collections where the origin is unknown.
The image of Nero is significant because it shows the presence of the Romans in the area, 14 years before they destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD.
WHO WAS NERO?
Nero was born in 37 AD, and became emperor of the Roman Empire after the death of his adoptive father, the Emperor Claudius, in 54 AD.
The last ruler of the 'Julio-Claudian' dynasty, he ruled until he committed suicide in 68 AD. He is often regarded as a tyrant and a corrupt ruler.
During his rule, he murdered his own mother, Agrippina the Younger; his first wife, Octavia; and allegedly, his second wife, Poppaea Sabina. Ancient writers also claim that he started the great fire of Rome in 64 AD so that he could re-build the city center.
The coin was discovered by researchers from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, who were excavating on Mount Zion in Jerusalem.
Dr Shimon Gibson, who led the study, said: 'The coin is exceptional, because this is the first time that a coin of this kind has turned up in Jerusalem in a scientific dig.' The gold coin bears the portrait of the young Nero as Caesar, and has lettering around the edge reading 'NERO CAESAR AVC IMP.'
Nero was the last of the Julio-Claudian dynasty of Roman emperors and many depict him as a tyrant.
On the back of the coin is a depiction of an oak wreath, containing the letters 'EX S C', with the surrounding inscription 'PONTIF MAX TR P III'.
The researchers used these markings to predict that the coin dates back to 56 AD - just over a decade before the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD.
The coin was found in rubble outside the ruins of first century Jewish homes, which the researchers say could have belonged to wealthy members of the priestly caste.
Dr Gibson said: 'The coin probably came from one of the rich 2,000-year old Jewish dwellings which the team have been uncovering at the site.
'These belonged to the priestly and aristocratic quarter located in the Upper City of Jerusalem. 'Finds include the well-preserved rooms of a very large mansion, a Jewish ritual pool (mikveh) and a bathroom, both with their ceilings intact.'