© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Commodus FORT FELI P M TR P XIIII IMP VIII COS V DES VI S C; Fortuna
189 year| Bronze | 19.6 g | 27 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 189 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 19.6 g |
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#265928 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Fortuna, draped, standing left, foot on prow, holding caduceus in right hand and double cornucopiae in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: FORT FELI P M TR P XIIII IMP VIII COS V DES VI S C
Translation:
Fortunae Felici. Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Quarta Decima, Imperator Octavum, Consul Quintum, Designatus Sextum. Senatus Consultum.
To Fortune, the happy. High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 14th time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the eighth time, consul for the fifth time, elect for the sixth time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 17.67–21.58 g;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 Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck and prosperity, on its reverse side. This is fitting, as the name "Sestertius" itself is derived from the Latin word "sestertius," meaning "a sixth of a denarius," and was used as a unit of account in ancient Rome. The coin's design, which includes Fortuna holding a rudder and a cornucopia, symbolizes the idea of good fortune guiding the ship of state and the abundance of prosperity.
