Sestertius - Nero DECVRSIO S C

The DECVRSIO type records a specific military exercise — a cavalry parade drill performed before the emperor — that Nero staged as part of his efforts to court army loyalty after the death of Burrus in 62 AD removed one of the two men most responsible for keeping his reign stable. The reverse imagery was a deliberate political act, not a commemoration of any actual campaign; Nero never commanded troops in the field.

Orichalcum sestertii of this period were struck at Rome under tight mint supervision following Nero's currency reform of 64 AD, which adjusted the weight standards for both gold and silver while keeping base metal denominations largely intact.