Denarius - Commodus (MIN VICT P M TR P XIII COS V DES VI; Minerva) (189) front Denarius - Commodus (MIN VICT P M TR P XIII COS V DES VI; Minerva) (189) back
Denarius - Commodus (MIN VICT P M TR P XIII COS V DES VI; Minerva) (189) photo
© Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen (CC BY-NC 4.0 DE)

Denarius - Commodus MIN VICT P M TR P XIII COS V DES VI; Minerva

189 year
Silver 2.8 g 17 mm
Description
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
2.8 g
Diameter
17 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#265411
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Minerva, helmeted, draped, standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and spear in left hand; to left, shield; to right, trophy.

Script: Latin

Lettering: MIN VICT P M TR P XIII COS V DES VI

Translation:
Minerva Victrix. Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Tertia Decima, Consul Quintum, Designatus Sextum.
Minerva, the victorious. High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 13th time, consul for the fifth time, elect for the sixth time.

Comment

Mass varies: 2.53–3.48 g;
Diameter varies: 17–17.34 mm;

Example of this type:
Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen

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 Minerva on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Commodus. Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts, and was often depicted with an owl, which symbolized wisdom and knowledge. The inclusion of Minerva on this coin may have been a way to emphasize the importance of wisdom and knowledge during Commodus' reign.