Æ - Commodus

Emisor Chersonesos (Taurica)
Año 177-192
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valor
Moneda Drachm
Composición Copper
Peso 6.87 g
Diámetro 26 mm
Grosor
Forma Round (irregular)
Técnica Hammered
Orientación Variable alignment ↺
Grabador(es)
En circulación hasta
Referencia(s) Anokhin#896 Khersonesa#273-274 , SNG Moskau#3671 IV.1#3716 , SNG Stancomb#958
Descripción del anverso Laureate and draped bust of Chersonas to right; XEP and lyre before.
Escritura del anverso Greek
Leyenda del anverso XEP
(Translation: Chersonas)
Descripción del reverso Female figure standing facing, head to right, holding spear and bow, wearing kalathos, stag at feet to left; Δ in left field.
Escritura del reverso Greek
Leyenda del reverso Δ EΛEΥΘEΡΑϹ
(Translation: 4, of free)
Canto
Casa de moneda
Tirada ND (177-192) - -
ID de Numisquare 3605583640
Información adicional

Historical Context: This copper Æ issue from Chersonesos in Taurica dates to the reign of Emperor Commodus (177-192 AD), a period marking a significant transition in Roman imperial history. Chersonesos, a vital Greek colony on the Crimean Peninsula, maintained its civic autonomy while acknowledging Roman suzerainty through its coinage. These issues underscore the city's strategic importance as a Black Sea port and its integration into the broader Roman economic and political sphere, even as Commodus' rule diverged from his father's stoic principles.

Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, this coin exemplifies the provincial Roman stylistic school, blending local Greek artistic conventions with imperial iconography. The obverse would typically feature a portrait of Commodus, likely laureate, rendered with a characteristic provincial robustness, aiming for imperial likeness rather than refined detail. The reverse design, though unspecified, would invariably depict a local deity, civic symbol, or an allegorical representation pertinent to Chersonesos, reflecting the city's unique cultural identity within the empire.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial copper flan measuring 26 mm and weighing 6.87 grams, this coin is a significant bronze issue. Typical high-points for wear or strike weakness on the obverse would include Commodus' hair, laurel wreath, and facial features. Provincial bronzes often display varying strike quality; common technical characteristics might include minor off-centering, uneven pressure leading to softer details on one side, or slight planchet irregularities. A well-struck example would show clear legends and a distinct, if not finely detailed, portrait.

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