Obverse Legend (Greek)
NEPΩNero — The young Nero, Claudius's adopted son and future emperor
KΛAYKlaudios — Claudius, the reigning emperor's name
KAICAPKaisar — Caesar, the Greek form of the imperial title
Obverse Image
Two oblong shields crossed with two spears — Roman military symbols. Unlike most Roman coins, Judaean procurator coins avoided portraits out of respect for Jewish religious law prohibiting graven images.
Reverse Legend (Greek)
BPITBrit(annicus) — Britannicus, Claudius's natural-born son
KAIKai(saros) — "Of Caesar," indicating the date in Claudius's reign
L IΔYear 14 — The 14th regnal year of Claudius = AD 54
Reverse Image
A palm tree — a symbol deeply associated with Judaea. Palm trees appeared on Judaean coins for centuries and later became the Roman symbol for the conquered province.
Historical Significance
This coin names both imperial heirs on opposite sides — Nero (adopted) and Britannicus (natural-born). Within a year of this coin being struck, Claudius was dead and Nero became emperor. Britannicus was then poisoned, likely on Nero's orders. The governor Felix is the same man described in the Book of Acts (23:26, 24:26) who imprisoned the Apostle Paul in Caesarea for two years.
