Lot 4554

Description

Nero, (A.D. 54-68), AE sestertius, Rome mint, issued A.D. 63, (28.33 g), obv. laureate head of Nero to right, around NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GERM 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 138, WCN 75). Brown patina, reverse with minor smoothing in the field, otherwise good very fine, portrait nearly extremely fine and very rare in this condition.

Ex Dr. V.J.A. Flynn Collection and previously from Noble Numismatics Sale 106 (lot 3489) and J. Quinn Collection with B.A. Seaby ticket of 1967.
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.