Military cavalry exercises (decursio) ranked among the most important ceremonial displays of ancient Rome, serving both as demonstrations of military discipline and as expressions of imperial authority. Inspired by a rare sestertius of Nero, Giovanni da Cavino faithfully recreated this dynamic equestrian scene, preserving both the composition and the political message of the ancient prototype.
The obverse features the laureate head of Nero facing right with the legend NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P. The reverse depicts the emperor riding on horseback to the right, followed by a mounted standard-bearer, with S C in the fields and DECVRSIO in the exergue. The scene refers to the ceremonial cavalry parades held on the Campus Martius, symbolizing military discipline, combat readiness, and the strength of the Roman army. Through his meticulous reproduction of the ancient design, Cavino created a Renaissance medal that perfectly reflects the enduring fascination with the military imagery of the Roman Empire.
Paduan from the Collection of Lech Kokociński, Honorary President of the Polish Numismatic Society.
Ticket from the collection inculded.
Obverse: laureate head of Nero right
NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM TR P IMP P P
Reverse: Nero riding on horseback to right, holding spear, behind him rides a soldier carrying a vexillum over his shoulder, S-C across fields, DECVRSIO in exergue
Diameter 36 mm, weight 22.19 g
