Sestertius - Commodus (VIRTVTI AVGVSTI TR P VII IMP IIII COS III P P S C) (181-182) front Sestertius - Commodus (VIRTVTI AVGVSTI TR P VII IMP IIII COS III P P S C) (181-182) back
Sestertius - Commodus (VIRTVTI AVGVSTI TR P VII IMP IIII COS III P P S C) (181-182) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

Sestertius - Commodus VIRTVTI AVGVSTI TR P VII IMP IIII COS III P P S C

 
Bronze 26.5 g 32 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus) (177-192)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
181-182
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
26.5 g
Diameter
32 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#265657
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Commodus, in military attire, riding right on prancing horse and brandishing javelin at lion before him.

Script: Latin

Lettering: VIRTVTI AVGVSTI TR P VII IMP IIII COS III P P S C

Translation:
Virtuti Augusti. Tribunicia Potestate Septima, Imperator Quartum, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum.
To the courage of the emperor. Holder of tribunician power for the seventh time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the fourth time, consul for the third time, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Mass varies: 25.86–27.04 g;

Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum

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 emperor Commodus, who was known for his excesses and tyrannical behavior during his reign. Despite his controversial rule, Commodus' coinage remains a popular collector's item among numismatists today.