Ancient Roman Silver Denarius of Emperor Commodus

Code: 11599

This is an ancient Roman silver denarius, of Emperor Commodus, minted in Rome between 186 - 187 AD 

Obverse:  M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT, "Marcus Commodus Antoninus, the pious, the fortunate, emperor (Augustus), conqueror of the Britons" laureate head right.

Reverse:  AVCT PIET P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P, "Supporter of piety. 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" Pietas standing left, holding a box and dropping incense from a patera on an altar at her feet.

Between 180 AD and 184 AD, the Romans were once again at war with the northern tribes in Britain. According to Cassius Dio, they breached Hadrian’s wall and killed a Roman general, making this the most serious war of Commodus’ reign. When the war was won, Commodus minted two types of coins to celebrate the victory. He also took on the title “Britannicus”, and all his coins after this date feature Brit "conqueror of the Britons" in the legend.

CULTURE: ROMAN

DENOMINATION: Denarius

MATERIAL: Silver

DATE: 177 - 192 AD (This coin was minted in Rome between 186-187 AD)

SIZE: 18mm dia

WEIGHT: 2.48 grams

ATTRIBUTION: RIC III 146; BMCRE 207; RSC 34. S5630. RIC146 

PROVENANCE: Private collection. Worthing, United Kingdom