© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
As - Crispina HILARITAS S C; Hilaritas
| Bronze | 11.4 g | 24.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 178-191 |
| Value | As = 1⁄16 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 11.4 g |
| Diameter | 24.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#266081 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Hilaritas, draped, standing left, holding long palm, nearly vertical, in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: HILARITAS S C
Translation:
Hilaritas. Senatus Consultum.
Joy. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 8.992–13.26 g;Diameter varies: 23–26 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The coin features the image of Crispina, who was a prominent Roman empress and the wife of Emperor Commodus. She was known for her intelligence, political influence, and her efforts to promote the cult of the Roman goddess Hilaritas, which is reflected in the coin's inscription "HILARITAS S C" (Hilaritas Sancta, or Holy Hilarity). Despite her influence and power, Crispina's life was marked by controversy and tragedy, including allegations of adultery and her eventual execution by her husband.
