Catalog
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 186-187 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = 1/4 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 22.3 g |
| Diameter | 28.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC III#495, OCRE#ric.3.com.495 |
| Obverse description | Head of Commodus, laureate, right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
M COMMODVS ANT P FELIX AVG BRIT (Translation: Marcus Commodus Antoninus Pius Felix Augustus Britannicus. Marcus Commodus Antoninus, the pious, the fortunate, emperor (Augustus), conqueror of the Britons.) |
| Reverse description | Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand and sceptre in left hand. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
FEL PVBLICA P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P S C (Translation: Felicitas Publica. Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Duoecima, Imperator Octavum, Consul Quintum, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum. The good fortune of the public, high priest, holder of tribunician power for the twelfth time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the eighth time, consul for the fifth time, father of the nation, Decree of the senate.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (186-187) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1014717460 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Sestertius was issued during the later reign of Emperor Commodus, specifically between 186 and 187 AD, as indicated by the tribunician power (TR P XII) and consular dating (COS V). Commodus, son of the revered Marcus Aurelius, ruled from 180 to 192 AD, a period that saw a marked decline from the Pax Romana. By this point, his increasingly erratic behavior, paranoia, and self-aggrandizement were evident. The reverse legend, FEL PVBLICA (Public Happiness or Felicity), served as imperial propaganda, aiming to project an image of stability and prosperity despite the growing internal strife and Commodus's personal excesses.
Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for Roman imperial coinage, this Sestertius reflects the stylistic trends of the Imperial Mint in Rome during the late Antonine period. The obverse would feature a laureate bust of Commodus, rendered with a distinct portraiture style that emphasized his individual features, likely with a more mature and perhaps severe expression fitting his later years. The reverse design depicts Felicitas standing, holding a caduceus, a symbol of peace and prosperity, and a cornucopia, representing abundance. The figure is generally rendered in a classicizing manner, embodying the Roman ideal of divine personification.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, this Sestertius weighs 22.3 grams and measures 28.5 millimeters, consistent with imperial standards for the denomination. Key high-points for wear analysis on the obverse include the highest locks of Commodus's hair, his nose, and the drapery folds. On the reverse, the head of Felicitas, the caduceus, and the cornucopia are most susceptible to attrition. A well-struck example would exhibit full details on both sides, sharp legends, and good centering. The striking process for large bronze flans often resulted in minor planchet flaws or areas of weakness, making a fully complete and evenly struck example particularly desirable.