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Orbis Collectibles

RIC III Commodus 261 (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Commodus 261 (denarius). Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Commodus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Commodus, laureate, right, with the legend L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL.

The reverse shows serapis, radiate, standing front, head left, holding branch in right hand and sceptre in left hand, with the legend SERAPIDI CONSERV AVG.

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

His sole reign, commonly considered the close of the Pax Romana, witnessed internal political conspiracies alongside his creation of a deific personality cult. His rule concluded with his assassination in 192, bringing an end to the Nerva–Antonine dynasty.

Struck at the Rome mint, this piece represents the denarius, which functioned as the standard Roman silver coin from circa 211 BC until the third century. The obverse presents Commodus with the legend "L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL", while the reverse depicts the radiate deity Serapis standing with a branch and sceptre, accompanied by the inscription "SERAPIDI CONSERV AVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Commodus

Design

Obverse
Head of Commodus, laureate, right
Reverse
Serapis, radiate, standing front, head left, holding branch in right hand and sceptre in left hand
Obverse legend
L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL
Reverse legend
SERAPIDI CONSERV AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Commodus 261 (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL
Reverse legend to match
SERAPIDI CONSERV AVG
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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