Episode VI — Nero and Agrippina: From Dominance to Erasure
Early under Nero, we find confronted busts: AGRIPPINA MAT NERONIS CAES. She appears equal — even dominant — in visual hierarchy.
Later issues shift to jugate portraits: NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM IMP TR P. Nero moves forward; Agrippina recedes.
Then she disappears entirely.
The progression is numismatic evidence of political reality. Agrippina’s authority wanes. Nero asserts sole control. Eventually, the story ends in matricide.
Coinage does not just celebrate power. It records its redistribution.