© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Commodus APOL PALAT P M TR P XVI COS VI S C; Apollo
| Bronze | 20.7 g | 28.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 190-191 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 20.7 g |
| Diameter | 28.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#265966 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Apollo, draped in long robe, standing front, head right, holding plectrum in right hand and supporting lyre set on column with left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: APOL PALAT P M TR P XVI COS VI S C
Translation:
Apollo Palatinus. Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Sexta Decima, Consul Sextum. Senatus Consultum.
Palatine Apollo. High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 16th time, consul for the sixth time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 18.75–23.62 g;Diameter varies: 27–29 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 Apollo, the Greek god of the sun, music, poetry, and prophecy, on its reverse side. This suggests that the Roman Emperor Commodus, who ruled from 180 to 192 AD, was interested in promoting the cultural and religious influences of Greece within the Roman Empire. The coin's design may have been meant to symbolize the unity and shared cultural heritage of the Roman and Greek civilizations.
