Bronze prutah naming Nero, Porcius Festus, Procurator of Judaea, 59-62 AD

NEΡ-ΩNO-C, in wreath tied at base with x. / LE KAICAΡOC, Upright palm branch. 16mm, 1.85 grams. Jerusalem mint. Meshorer 345; Hendin 653; RPC I 4972. 

Porcius Festus was the 5th Roman procurator of Judea from about 59 to 62, succeeding Antonius Felix. He is mentioned in the bible - the Acts of the Apostles narrate that the Apostle Paul had his final hearing before Festus (Acts 24:27). In Acts 25:12, Festus sought to induce Paul to go to Jerusalem for trial; Paul appealed to the Emperor. The appeal resulted in Paul being sent to Rome for judgment by the Emperor himself although Festus had difficulty in detailing charges against him (Acts 25-26).