Sestertius - Commodus IVPPITER CONSERVATOR TR P VI IMP IIII COS III P P S C; Jupiter
181 year| Bronze | - | - |
| 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 |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#265608 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Jupiter, nude except mantle over arms, standing front, head left, holding sceptre in left hand and thunderbolt in right hand extended over small figure of Commodus, togate, holding branch in right hand and scpeter in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: IVPPITER CONSERVATOR TR P VI IMP IIII COS III P P S C
Translation:
Iuppiter Conservatori. Tribunicia Potestate Sexta, Imperator, Quartum, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum.
Jupiter, the preserver. 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
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a portrait of Commodus, who was known for his excesses and tyrannical behavior, yet the inscription on the coin, "IVPPITER CONSERVATOR," translates to "Jupiter the Preserver," suggesting that he was also seen as a protector and savior figure. This contrast between the reality of Commodus' rule and the idealized image presented on the coin highlights the complexities of Roman imperial propaganda and the ways in which coins were used to shape public opinion.