© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Commodus LAETITIAE AVG; Laetitia
| Silver | 2.8 g | 17.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 184-189 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.8 g |
| Diameter | 17.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#265430 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding corn-ears in right hand and rudder set on globe in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: LAETITIAE AVG
Translation:
Laetitiae Augusti.
To the joy of the emperor.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.27–3.5 g;Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Laetitia on the reverse side, which was a common motif during the reign of Emperor Commodus. Laetitia was the goddess of happiness, prosperity, and good fortune, and her presence on the coin may have been intended to convey the idea that the Roman Empire was experiencing a period of peace and prosperity under Commodus' rule. However, this coin was minted during a time of significant political and economic turmoil in the Roman Empire, and its value as a collector's item today may be higher due to its historical significance.
