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Orbis Collectibles

RIC III Commodus 286A (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Commodus 286A (denarius). Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Commodus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Crispina, draped, hair in round coil at back, right, with the legend CRISPINA AVGVSTA.

The reverse shows venus, draped, standing left, holding apple in right hand and drawing robe over her left shoulder with left hand, with the legend VENVS.

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, initially reigning alongside his father Marcus Aurelius before governing alone from 180. His sole rule marked the close of the Pax Romana and was characterised by internal intrigues and a dictatorial style of leadership, which ended with his assassination in 192.

Struck at the Rome mint, this silver denarius was issued under the authority of Commodus. The denomination functioned as the standard silver coin of the Roman world, originally introduced during the Second Punic War. The coin features the bust of Crispina alongside the obverse legend "CRISPINA AVGVSTA", while the reverse depicts the goddess Venus holding an apple and adjusting her robe, inscribed with the legend "VENVS".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Commodus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Crispina, draped, hair in round coil at back, right
Reverse
Venus, draped, standing left, holding apple in right hand and drawing robe over her left shoulder with left hand
Obverse legend
CRISPINA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend
VENVS

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Commodus 286A (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
CRISPINA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend to match
VENVS
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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