© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Commodus MINER VICT P M TR P XIIII IMP VIII COS V P P S C; Minerva and Victory
| Bronze | 21.2 g | 30 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 188-189 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 21.2 g |
| Diameter | 30 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#265913 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Minerva, helmeted, draped, standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and spear in left hand; to left, shield; to right, trophy.
Script: Latin
Lettering: MINER VICT P M TR P XIIII IMP VIII COS V P P S C
Translation:
Minerva Victrix. Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Quarta Decima, Imperator, Octavum, Consul Quintum, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum.
Minerva, the victorious. High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 14th time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the eighth time, consul for the fifth time, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 14.06–27.4 g;Diameter varies: 29.38–31 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 a unique combination of symbols and imagery. On one side, it depicts the goddess Minerva, who was associated with wisdom, knowledge, and warfare, and on the other side, it features the personification of Victory, holding a wreath and a palm branch. This combination of symbols suggests that the coin was minted to commemorate a significant military victory or triumph during the reign of Emperor Commodus. Additionally, the coin's design also includes the abbreviated titles of Commodus, such as "IMP VIII" which stands for "Imperator VIII" or "Emperor for the eighth time," highlighting his status as a powerful and accomplished leader.
