Lot 4525

Description

Nero, (A.D. 54-68), AE sestertius, Lugdunum mint, issued A.D. 65, (25.65 g), obv. laureate head of Nero to right, around NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, rev. Nero bare-headed and cuirassed on prancing horse to right, holding spear, beyond and behind him a mounted soldier prancing to right with vexillum held over right shoulder, DECVRSIO in exergue, S C across, (S.1957, RIC 396, WCN 408, BMC 311). Dark green patina, very minor smoothing in the field, otherwise good very fine, portrait almost extremely fine and rare in this condition.

Ex Noble Numismatics Auction Sale 87 (lot 4269) and previously Sale 79 (lot 3595).
The reverse legend comes from decurro meaning run downwards or charge and is applied to military or equestrian manoeuvres. On this coin Nero is leading a formal cavalry parade probably in the Circus Maximus.