Sestertius - Commodus PROV DEOR TR P V IMP IIII COS II P P S C, Providentia
| Uitgever | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Jaar | 180 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Waarde | 1 Sestertius = 1/4 Denarius |
| Valuta | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Samenstelling | Bronze |
| Gewicht | 26.7 g |
| Diameter | 33.5 mm |
| Dikte | |
| Vorm | Round (irregular) |
| Techniek | Hammered |
| Oriëntatie | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| In omloop tot | |
| Referentie(s) | RIC III#301b, OCRE#ric.3.com.301b |
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Bust of Commodus, laureate, drapery on left shoulder, right. |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift voorzijde |
M COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG (Translation: Marcus Commodus Antoninus Augustus. Marcus Commodus Antoninus, emperor (Augustus).) |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | Providentia, draped, standing left, holding wand in right hand over globe on ground left and vertical sceptre in left hand. |
| Schrift keerzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift keerzijde |
PROV DEOR TR P V IMP IIII COS II P P S C (Translation: Providentia Deorum. Tribunicia Potestate Quinta, Imperator Quartum, Consul Secundum, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum. Foresight of the gods. Holder of tribunician power for the fifth time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the fourth time, consul for the second time, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.) |
| Rand | |
| Muntplaats | |
| Oplage |
ND (180) - - |
| Numisquare-ID | 1590972170 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
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Historical Context: This Sestertius, struck in 180 AD, commemorates the early reign of Emperor Commodus, marking his peaceful succession after Marcus Aurelius's death. This event ended the "Five Good Emperors" era, ushering in a new period for the Roman Empire. The reverse legend, PROV DEOR (Providence of the Gods), combined with his imperial titles (TR P V IMP IIII COS II P P S C), emphasizes divine favor and stability at the outset of his rule, reassuring the populace and Senate of a divinely sanctioned transition.
Artistry: The coin exemplifies the High Imperial Roman style of the late 2nd century AD, characterized by robust naturalism and detailed allegorical representations. While specific engravers remain anonymous, mint workshops maintained consistent artistic standards. The reverse design features Providentia standing left, holding a cornucopia and a wand pointing towards a globe at her feet. This iconography powerfully conveys the foresight and divine guidance ensuring the empire's future under Commodus, a critical message for a new emperor.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, this Sestertius weighs 26.7 grams and measures 33.5 mm, typical for the denomination. Key high-points for grading include Commodus's laureate portrait (hair, wreath) on the obverse, and on the reverse, Providentia's facial features, drapery folds, and the distinct attributes of the cornucopia, wand, and globe. A superior strike exhibits sharp legends, full detail on the allegorical figure, and minimal planchet flaws, often challenging on large bronze flans.