JUDAEA, Roman Governors. Porcius Festus, 59-62 CE. Prutah (Bronze, 17 mm, 2.94 g, 12 h), in the name of Nero. Jerusalem, RY 5 = 58/9 CE. ΝЄΡ/ⲰΝΟ/Ϲ within wreath. Rev. L Є ΚΑΙϹΑΡΟϹ Palm frond. Bromberg -. Hendin 6380. Meshorer, AJC, Suppl. V, 35. RPC I 4972. Samel 2213. Sofaer 66. Attractive earthen highlights. Nearly very fine.



Porcius Festus succeeded Antonius Felix as Roman procurator of Judaea under Nero, probably around 59/60 CE, and remained in office until his death in approximately 62 CE. Josephus records that he used military force against brigands and the followers of a prophetic figure and became involved in a dispute with the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem over a wall erected to protect the Temple rites from outside observation (Josephus, Ant. 20.182, 188–196). The Acts of the Apostles relates that Paul appeared before Festus at Caesarea and, after invoking his right of appeal, was sent to Rome: 'Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go' (Acts 25:12, KJV).