© 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 P M TR P XI IMP VII COS V P P; Victory
185 year| Silver | 2.5 g | 17 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 185 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.5 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#265331 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Commodus, togate, seated left on curule chair, being crowned by Victory, flying left, and holding globe in extended right hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P XI IMP VII COS V P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Undecima, Imperator Septimum, Consul Quintum, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the eleventh time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the seventh time, consul for the fifth time, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.093–2.83 g;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 the Roman goddess Victory on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Commodus. The image of Victory was meant to symbolize the power and dominance of the Roman Empire, and it was often depicted holding a wreath or a palm branch, as seen on this coin. The use of Victory as a symbol of Roman power was not unique to Commodus' reign, but it was particularly prevalent during this time, reflecting the emperor's desire to emphasize his military victories and the strength of the Roman state.
