Æ22 - Nero ΕΠΙ ΛΑΚΩΝΟΣ ΑΝΘΥΠΑΤΟΥ ΗΡΑΚΛΕΩΤΑΝ

The legend ΕΠΙ ΛΑΚΩΝΟΣ ΑΝΘΥΠΑΤΟΥ names the proconsul Lakon as presiding authority — a reminder that in the earliest months of Nero's reign, provincial bronze was still being issued under the administrative machinery of the Roman proconsulate rather than direct imperial initiative. Heraclea Pontica had a complicated relationship with Rome stretching back to its annexation under Claudius in 46 AD, having previously enjoyed periods of client-kingdom status. This piece dates to Nero's first regnal year, when Agrippina the Younger's influence over the new emperor was still at its height.