Sestertius - Commodus VIRTVTI AVGVSTI TR P VII IMP IIII COS III P P S C
| Bronze | - | - |
| 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 |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#265658 |
|---|---|
| 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
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Commodus, who was known for his excesses and tyrannical behavior, yet the coin's inscription highlights his virtues and accomplishments, such as "VIRTVTI AVGVSTI" (the virtue of the Augustus) and "TR P VII IMP IIII COS III P P S C" (triumphant, seven times imperator, four times consul, pontifex maximus). This contrast between the coin's message and the historical reality of Commodus' rule may suggest that the coin was minted to promote a particular image or propaganda, rather than accurately reflecting the emperor's character.
