Code: 13136
This is an ancient Roman silver denarius, of Emperor Commodus, minted in Rome between 181 - 182 AD
Obverse: M COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG, "Marcus Commodus Antoninus, emperor (Augustus)" laureate head right.
Reverse: LIB AVG V TR P VII IMP IIII COS III P P "The fifth liberality of the emperor (Augustus), holder of tribunician power for the seventh time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the fourth time, consul for the third time, father of the nation." Liberalitas, draped, standing left, holding abacus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.
In ancient Rome, the liberality of the emperor (Liberalitas) referred to the official virtue of generosity. It was demonstrated through the largesse of the ruler, who regularly distributed money, food, and public entertainment to the citizens of Rome. The concept was heavily broadcast on imperial coinage to showcase the emperor as a benevolent provider. These coins often depicted the goddess Liberalitas holding a cornucopia and an abacus (or counting board).
CULTURE: ROMAN
DENOMINATION: Denarius
MATERIAL: Silver
DATE: 177 - 192 AD (This coin was minted at Rome between 181 - 182 AD)
SIZE: 17mm dia
WEIGHT: 2.94 grams
ATTRIBUTION: RIC III# 36a, OCRE# ric.3.com.36a RCV 5655
PROVENANCE: formerly in a Private collection in Northampton, metal detector find.
