© Museu de Prehistòria de València
© Museu de Prehistòria de València
Aureus - Commodus HILAR AVG P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P; Hilaritas
| Gold | 5.3 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 186-187 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 5.3 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#265363 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hilaritas, draped, standing left, holding long palm, nearly vertical, in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: HILAR AVG P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P
Translation:
Hilaritas Augusti. Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Duoecima, Imperator Octavum, Consul Quintum, Pater Patriae.
Joy of the emperor (Augustus), high priest, holder of tribunician power for the twelfth time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the eighth time, consul for the fifth time, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.31–7.25 g;Example of this type:
Museu de Prehistòria de València
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The reverse side of the coin features the goddess Hilaritas, who is depicted standing left, holding a flower and a scepter. The image of Hilaritas was chosen to represent the theme of "hilarity" or "joy," which was a key aspect of the Roman Empire's ideology during the reign of Commodus. The use of Hilaritas on the coinage of this period was a deliberate attempt to promote the idea of a happy and harmonious society, which was seen as a desirable state for the Roman people.
