Denarius - Commodus P M TR P X IMP VII COS IIII P P, Felicitas
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 184-185 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.9 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC III#104, OCRE#ric.3.com.104 |
| Obverse description | Head of Commodus, laureate, right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
COMM ANT AVG P BRIT (Translation: Commodus Antoninus Augustus Pius Britannicus. Commodus Antoninus, emperor (Augustus), the pious, conqueror of the Britons.) |
| Reverse description | Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding caduceus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
P M TR P X IMP VII COS IIII P P (Translation: Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Decima, Imperator Septimum, Consul Quartum, Pater Patriae. High priest, holder of tribunician power for the tenth time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the seventh time, consul for the fourth time, father of the nation.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (184-185) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1715780380 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: This Denarius, issued 184-185 AD, places it within the increasingly autocratic reign of Emperor Commodus. The obverse legend, P M TR P X IMP VII COS IIII P P, precisely dates the coin, reflecting his tenth tribunician power and fourth consulship. This period marked a significant shift from his predecessors' stability, as Commodus’s rule grew erratic and paranoid. The reverse depiction of Felicitas, representing good fortune, likely served as a propagandistic message, projecting prosperity during a time of growing internal unrest.
Artistry: The artistic style aligns with late Antonine Imperial coinage, blending naturalism and emerging stylization. The obverse features a finely rendered portrait of Commodus, typically laureate and bearded, reflecting contemporary imperial iconography. The reverse design showcases Felicitas, personification of good fortune, usually standing frontally, holding a caduceus and a cornucopia. Such personifications followed established artistic conventions, emphasizing clarity and symbolic meaning over individualistic expression.
Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, key high-points on the obverse include Commodus’s hair, laurel wreath, and drapery folds. On the reverse, critical areas are Felicitas’s facial features, the details of her caduceus, and the cornucopia's fruits. A well-struck example exhibits full, sharp legends and devices, centered on a round flan, with minimal die wear or weakness. The recorded weight of 2.9 grams is consistent with denarii of this era, though silver content was subject to gradual debasement.