© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Commodus LIBERAL AVG VII P M TR P XV IMP VIII COS VI S C; Liberalitas
190 year| Bronze | 21.3 g | 29 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 190 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 21.3 g |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#265951 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Liberalitas, draped, standing left, holding abacus in extended right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: LIBERAL AVG VII P M TR P XV IMP VIII COS VI S C
Translation:
Liberalitas Augustorum Septima, Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Quinta Decima, Imperator Octavum, Consul Sextum. Senatus Consultum.
The seventh liberality of the emperor (Augustus), high priest, holder of tribunician power for the 15th time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the eighth time, consul for the sixth time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 17.21–24.65 g;Diameter varies: 27.9–29.5 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 the Roman goddess Liberalitas, which represents the concept of liberality or generosity, on the reverse side. This is fitting, given that the name Commodus, which means "beneficial" or "profitable," was often associated with the idea of generosity and prosperity. The inclusion of this image on the coin may have been intended to convey the idea that the Roman Empire, under the rule of Commodus, was a place of abundance and prosperity.
