Aureus - Commodus P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P; Janus
| Gold | 5 g | 20.5 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 g |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#265352 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Janus, standing front, leaning on sceptre in right hand, in distyle temple.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Duoecima, Imperator Octavum, Consul Quintum, Pater Patriae.
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: 2.75–7.25 g;Diameter varies: 19.57–21 mm;
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings, on one side, while the other side features an image of Commodus, the Roman emperor who ruled from 180 to 192 AD. This coin was minted during Commodus' reign, and it is believed that the image of Janus was included to symbolize the emperor's role as the beginning and end of all things, as well as his connection to the divine.