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Orbis Collectibles

RIC III Commodus 460

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Commodus 460. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Commodus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Commodus, laureate, right, with the legend M COMMODVS ANT P FELIX AVG BRIT.

The reverse shows janus, half-draped, standing front on low base, holding long sceptre nearly vertical in right hand and resting left hand on hip, within a distyle shrine with curved roof, with the legend P M TR P XI IMP VII COS V P P S C.

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 bronze sestertius was issued under the Roman emperor Commodus, who ruled from 177 until his assassination in 192. Having first served as co-emperor alongside his father Marcus Aurelius, he governed alone from 180, a period commonly regarded as marking the conclusion of the Pax Romana. Produced at the mint of Rome, the coin belongs to his sole reign, an era characterised by internal intrigues and an increasingly dictatorial administration.

During the Roman Empire, the sestertius served as a large denomination useful for everyday commerce, valued at one quarter of a denarius or two and a half asses. The obverse presents the emperor bearing the title "M COMMODVS ANT P FELIX AVG BRIT", whilst the reverse depicts the figure of Janus inside a distyle shrine with a curved roof, holding a long sceptre, accompanied by the legend "P M TR P XI IMP VII COS V P P S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Commodus

Design

Obverse
Head of Commodus, laureate, right
Reverse
Janus, half-draped, standing front on low base, holding long sceptre nearly vertical in right hand and resting left hand on hip, within a distyle shrine with curved roof
Obverse legend
M COMMODVS ANT P FELIX AVG BRIT
Reverse legend
P M TR P XI IMP VII COS V P P S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Commodus 460
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
M COMMODVS ANT P FELIX AVG BRIT
Reverse legend to match
P M TR P XI IMP VII COS V P P S C
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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