© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Commodus HERC COMMODIANO P M TR P XVI COS VI S C; Hercules
| Bronze | 24.5 g | 30.5 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 | 24.5 g |
| Diameter | 30.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#265969 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hercules, nude, standing left, sacrificing with patera in right hand over altar and holding cornucopiae in left hand; at left, tree on which hangs lion-skin.
Script: Latin
Lettering: HERC COMMODIANO P M TR P XVI COS VI S C
Translation:
Hercules Commodiano, Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Sexta Decima, Consul Sextum. Senatus Consultum.
Hercules Commodianus, high priest, holder of tribunician power for the 16th time, consul for the sixth time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 21–27.09 g;Diameter varies: 28.4–33 mm;
Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The reverse side of the coin features an image of Hercules, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Commodus. This is because Commodus was known for his fascination with the mythological figure and often portrayed himself as a latter-day Hercules in official art and propaganda. In fact, Commodus even went so far as to renaming the month of August after himself, calling it "Commodus" instead, and declared that he was the reincarnation of Hercules. This coin, therefore, serves as a representation of Commodus's self-identification with the legendary hero.
