Denarius - Commodus LAET AVG P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P; Laetitia
| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 186-187 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#265366 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding branch in right hand and palm in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: LAET AVG P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P
Translation:
Laetitia 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
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Denarius coin featuring Commodus (LAET AVG P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P; Laetitia) was minted during a time of economic turmoil in the Roman Empire. The coin's silver content had been decreasing over the years, and by the time of Commodus' reign, it had become a significant issue. In fact, the silver content of the Denarius had decreased so much that it was now only about 5% silver, compared to the 90% silver content of earlier Denarii. This decrease in silver content led to inflation and economic instability, which had a significant impact on the Roman Empire's economy. Despite this, the Denarius remained an important currency in the empire until its eventual replacement by the Argenteus in the early 4th century AD.
