Dupondius - Commodus (MINER AVG P M TR P XVI COS VI S C; Minerva) (190-191) front Dupondius - Commodus (MINER AVG P M TR P XVI COS VI S C; Minerva) (190-191) back
Dupondius - Commodus (MINER AVG P M TR P XVI COS VI S C; Minerva) (190-191) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

Dupondius - Commodus MINER AVG P M TR P XVI COS VI S C; Minerva

 
Bronze 15.2 g -
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
190-191
Value
1 Dupondius = ⅛ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
15.2 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#265975
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Minerva, helmeted, draped, advancing right, head turned back to left, wearing shield on left arm, and holding branch in right hand and spear in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: MINER AVG P M TR P XVI COS VI S C

Translation:
Minerva. Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Sexta Decima, Consul Sextum. Senatus Consultum.
Minerva. Emperor (Augustus), high priest, holder of tribunician power for the 16th time, consul for the sixth time. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum

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, 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 nod to the emperor's desire to promote wisdom and knowledge throughout the empire.