© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Commodus VIRTVT AVG P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P; Virtus
| 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 | 186-187 |
| 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#265375 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Virtus, in military attire, standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and resting left hand on shield set on ground; spear leans against left side.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVT AVG P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P
Translation:
Virtuti Augusti. Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Duoecima, Imperator Octavum, Consul Quintum, Pater Patriae.
To the courage of the emperor. High priest, holder of tribunician power for the twelfth time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the eighth time, consul for the fifth time, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 1.95–3.72 g;Diameter varies: 17–18 mm;
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 Virtus on the reverse, which represents the virtue and moral excellence that the Roman Empire aimed to uphold. The inclusion of this image on the coinage suggests that the Roman Empire placed a high value on the concept of virtue and wanted to promote it as a central aspect of its culture and society.
