© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)
© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)
Sestertius - Commodus TR P VIII IMP VI COS IIII P P S C; Minerva
183 year| Bronze | 23.1 g | 29 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 183 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 23.1 g |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#265705 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Minerva, helmeted, draped, advancing right, brandishing javelin in right hand and holding shield in left hand; before, owl.
Script: Latin
Lettering: TR P VIII IMP VI COS IIII P P S C
Translation:
Tribunicia Potestate Octava, Imperator Sextum, Consul Quartum, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum.
Holder of tribunician power for the eighth time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the sixth time, consul for the fourth time, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 21.4–24.71 g;Diameter varies: 28–30 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 the Roman goddess Minerva on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Commodus. Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts, and was often depicted with an owl, which symbolized wisdom and knowledge. The inclusion of Minerva on this coin may have been a nod to the emperor's desire to promote wisdom and knowledge among his subjects.
