Denarius - Commodus P M TR P XIII IMP VIII COS V P P; Fortuna
| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 187-188 |
| 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#265385 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Fortuna, draped, seated left on low seat, holding rudder set on globe in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P XIII IMP VIII COS V P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Tertia Decima, Imperator Octavum, Consul Quintum, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 13th 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 (P M TR P XIII IMP VIII COS V P P; Fortuna) was minted during a time of economic instability in the Roman Empire. The coin's silver content had been decreasing over the years, and by the time of Commodus' reign, it had reached a point where the coin was no longer made of pure silver. Instead, it was made of a silver-copper alloy, which was less valuable than pure silver. This decrease in silver content was likely due to a combination of inflation, debasement, and the increasing cost of maintaining the Roman Empire's vast territories and armies. Despite this, the Denarius remained an important currency in the Roman Empire and was widely used for trade and commerce.
