Sestertius - Commodus (SAL AVG P M TR P XIII IMP VIII COS V P P S C; Salus) (187-188) front Sestertius - Commodus (SAL AVG P M TR P XIII IMP VIII COS V P P S C; Salus) (187-188) back
Sestertius - Commodus (SAL AVG P M TR P XIII IMP VIII COS V P P S C; Salus) (187-188) photo
© Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen (CC BY-NC 4.0 DE)

Sestertius - Commodus SAL AVG P M TR P XIII IMP VIII COS V P P S C; Salus

 
Bronze 22.5 g -
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
187-188
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
22.5 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#265900
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Salus, draped, seated left on low seat, feeding from patera in right hand snake coiled round altar.

Script: Latin

Lettering: SAL AVG P M TR P XIII IMP VIII COS V P P S C

Translation:
Salus Augusti. Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Tertia Decima, Imperator Octavum, Consul Quintum, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum.
Health of the emperor (Augustus). High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 13th time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the eighth time, consul for the fifth time, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Example of this type:
Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen

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 Salus, who was the patron deity of the Roman Empire during the reign of Commodus. The coin's design was meant to promote the idea that Commodus' rule was divinely ordained and that he was the protector of the empire. The image of Salus on the coin also symbolized the idea of safety and security, which was an important theme during Commodus' reign, as he sought to maintain peace and stability within the empire.