© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)
© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)
Denarius - Commodus FOR FEL P M TR P XIIII COS V DES VI; Fortuna
189 year| Silver | 2.9 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 189 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.9 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#265407 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Fortuna, draped, standing left, foot on prow, holding caduceus in right hand and double cornucopiae in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: FOR FEL P M TR P XIIII COS V DES VI
Translation:
Fortunae Felici. Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Quarta Decima, Consul Quintum, Designatus Sextum.
To Fortune, the happy. High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 14th time, consul for the fifth time, elect for the sixth time.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.01–3.79 g;Diameter varies: 17–19 mm;
Example of this type:
Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck and prosperity, on its reverse side. This is fitting, as the coin was issued during the reign of Emperor Commodus, who was known for his excesses and extravagance, and Fortuna was often associated with the idea of good fortune and prosperity. The inclusion of Fortuna on the coin may have been a way to convey the idea that the coin and the empire it represented were blessed with good fortune and prosperity.
