© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Sestertius - Commodus PROVIDENTIAE AVG S C; Hercules and Africa
192 year| Bronze | 24.8 g | 32.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 192 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 24.8 g |
| Diameter | 32.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#266039 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hercules, wearing lion-skin, standing right, foot on prow, resting club rock to right, and recieveing corn-ears from Africa, wearing elephant headdress, draped, standing right, and holding sistrum in right hand; at feet, lion.
Script: Latin
Lettering: PROVIDENTIAE AVG S C
Unabridged legend: Providentiae Augusti. Senatus Consultum.
Translation: To the foresight of the emperor. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 21.71–26.71 g;Diameter varies: 30–34.5 mm;
Example of this type:
Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Hercules and Africa on one side, which suggests that Commodus, the Roman emperor at the time, may have been trying to emphasize his military victories and expansion into Africa. This coin was minted during a time when the Roman Empire was at its peak, and it's fascinating to see how the emperor used currency as a means of promoting his accomplishments and reinforcing his image as a powerful leader.
