© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Commodus SERAPIDI CONSERV AVG; Serapis
| Silver | 2.7 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 191-192 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.7 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#265520 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Serapis, radiate, standing front, head left, holding branch in right hand and sceptre in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SERAPIDI CONSERV AVG
Comment
Mass varies: 2.24–3.05 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 Serapis, a deity who was worshipped in the Roman Empire during the 2nd century AD. Serapis was a syncretization of the Egyptian god Osiris and the Greek god Hades, and was often depicted with a modius, a grain measure, on his head, which symbolized his role as a god of fertility and agriculture. The inclusion of Serapis on this coin may indicate that Commodus, the Roman emperor who issued it, was attempting to promote the cult of Serapis as a way to solidify his power and legitimacy.
