Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC III Commodus 287

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Commodus 287. Denomination: Aureus. 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, seated left, holding Victory in extended right hand and sceptre in left hand; under seat, dove, with the legend VENVS FELIX.

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

This coin was struck at Rome under the authority of Commodus, who reigned as Roman emperor from 177 to 192. He initially ruled as nominal co-emperor alongside his father Marcus Aurelius, before serving as sole emperor from 180 until his assassination in 192. His sole rule, which concluded the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, is traditionally regarded as the close of the Pax Romana.

The piece is an aureus, the primary gold denomination of ancient Rome standardly valued at 25 silver denarii and 100 sestertii. Produced during the Roman imperial period, the issue honours Crispina under the obverse legend CRISPINA AVGVSTA. The reverse features Venus seated with a sceptre, Victory, and a dove, accompanied by the inscription VENVS FELIX.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Commodus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Crispina, draped, hair in round coil at back, right
Reverse
Venus, draped, seated left, holding Victory in extended right hand and sceptre in left hand; under seat, dove
Obverse legend
CRISPINA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend
VENVS FELIX

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Commodus 287
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
CRISPINA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend to match
VENVS FELIX
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.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference