Sestertius - Commodus (FEL AVG TR P VI IMP IIII COS III P P S C; Felicitas) (181) front Sestertius - Commodus (FEL AVG TR P VI IMP IIII COS III P P S C; Felicitas) (181) back
Sestertius - Commodus (FEL AVG TR P VI IMP IIII COS III P P S C; Felicitas) (181) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Sestertius - Commodus FEL AVG TR P VI IMP IIII COS III P P S C; Felicitas

181 year
Bronze 25.5 g 30 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
181
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
25.5 g
Diameter
30 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#265603
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding caduceus in right hand and sceptre in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: FEL AVG TR P VI IMP IIII COS III P P S C

Translation:
Felicitas Augusti. Tribunicia Potestate Sexta, Imperator Quartum, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae, Senatus Consultum.
The good fortune of the emperor (Augustus), holder of tribunician power for the sixth time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the fourth time, consul for the third time, father of the nation, Decree of the senate.

Comment

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 Felicitas, which means "good luck" or "happiness" in Latin, on its reverse side. This suggests that the coin was minted during a time when the Roman Empire was seeking to promote feelings of prosperity and good fortune among its citizens. Additionally, the coin's design, which includes an image of Commodus, the Roman emperor at the time, and the words "Felicitas" and "Fel Avg" (meaning "happy" and "happy augury" respectively), may have been intended to convey a sense of optimism and prosperity for the Roman Empire during Commodus' reign.