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Orbis Collectibles

RIC III Commodus 251 (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Commodus 251 (denarius). Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Commodus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Commodus, wearing lion-skin, right, with the legend L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL. The reverse shows club of Hercules with legend to either side in 3 lines within wreath, with the legend HERCVL ROMAN AVGV.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
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 ruled the Roman Empire from 177 to 192, serving first alongside his father Marcus Aurelius and then governing alone from 180. His sole reign marked the close of the Pax Romana and was characterized by internal intrigues and an increasingly dictatorial leadership style. In this period, Commodus established a deific personality cult before his assassination in 192, which brought the Nerva–Antonine dynasty to an end.

Produced at the mint of Rome, this silver coin is a denarius, the standard Roman silver denomination originally introduced circa 211 BC. The coin reflects Commodus's deific cult through its imagery and inscriptions. The obverse depicts the emperor wearing a lion-skin, accompanied by the legend "L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL". The reverse pairs the club of Hercules within a wreath with the legend "HERCVL ROMAN AVGV".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Commodus

Design

Obverse
Head of Commodus, wearing lion-skin, right
Reverse
Club of Hercules with legend to either side in 3 lines within wreath
Obverse legend
L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL
Reverse legend
HERCVL ROMAN AVGV

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Commodus 251 (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL
Reverse legend to match
HERCVL ROMAN AVGV
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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