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Orbis Collectibles

RIC III Commodus 17

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Commodus 17. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Commodus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Commodus, laureate, right, with the legend M COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG.

The reverse shows pax, draped, standing left, holding branch in extended right hand and cornucopia in left hand, with the legend TR P VI IMP IIII COS III P P.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
7
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Commodus was Roman emperor from 177 to 192. He initially ruled as nominal co-emperor alongside his father Marcus Aurelius, before commencing his sole reign in 180. That sole rule is commonly viewed as the close of the Pax Romana, an era of peace and prosperity across the Roman Empire. Commodus's reign experienced less external warfare than his father's, though internal intrigues ultimately led to his assassination in 192.

Struck at the Rome mint, this coin is a silver denarius, the standard Roman silver denomination introduced during the Second Punic War circa 211 BC. The obverse presents Commodus with the legend "M COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG", while the reverse depicts Pax draped, holding a branch and a cornucopia, framed by the inscription "TR P VI IMP IIII COS III P P".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Commodus

Design

Obverse
Head of Commodus, laureate, right
Reverse
Pax, draped, standing left, holding branch in extended right hand and cornucopia in left hand
Obverse legend
M COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG
Reverse legend
TR P VI IMP IIII COS III P P

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Commodus 17
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
M COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
TR P VI IMP IIII COS III P P
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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