© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Commodus SPES PVBLICA S C; Spes
| Bronze | 26.2 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 175-176 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 26.2 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#264243 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Spes, draped, advancing left, holding flower in right hand and raising skirt with left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SPES PVBLICA S C
Translation:
Spes Publica. Senatus Consultum.
Hope of the public. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 25.22–27.19 g;Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Sestertius - Commodus (SPES PVBLICA S C; Spes) coin features an image of the Roman goddess Spes (meaning "hope" in Latin) on the reverse side, which is fitting since the coin was issued during a time of great turmoil and political instability in the Roman Empire. Despite the challenges faced during his reign, Commodus, the emperor at the time, was known for his efforts to restore peace and prosperity to the empire, and the image of Spes on the coin may have been intended to symbolize these efforts and offer a message of hope to the Roman people.
