Dupondius - Commodus VIRTVS AVG IMP III COS II P P S C; Virtus
| Bronze | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 179-180 |
| Value | 1 Dupondius = ⅛ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#265566 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Virtus, seated right, holding reversed spear in right hand aand parazonium in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS AVG IMP III COS II P P S C
Translation:
Virtus Augusti. Imperator Tertium, Consul Secundum, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum.
Courage of the emperor. Supreme commander (Imperator) for the third time, consul for the second time, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Dupondius was a bronze coin introduced by the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Commodus (180-192 AD). It was equal in value to two sestertii or one-fourth of a denarius, which was the standard silver coin of the time. The Dupondius was widely used throughout the Roman Empire and remained in circulation until the 4th century AD. The obverse (front) side of the coin features the image of Commodus, while the reverse (back) side features the personification of Virtus (Virtue), which was a common motif on Roman coins. The inscription "VIRTVS AVG IMP III COS II P P S C" on the reverse side translates to "Virtus Augusti, Imperator III, Consul II, Pater Patriae, Senator" which means "Virtue of the Emperor, Commander-in-Chief, Consul for the second time, Father of the Fatherland, Senator". This coin is historically significant because it represents a time when the Roman Empire was at its peak, and it showcases the image of a powerful and influential emperor like Commodus. Additionally, the Dupondius coin was an important part of the Roman economy and was used in everyday transactions, making it a valuable artifact for historians and collectors.