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Orbis Collectibles

RIC III Commodus 549

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Commodus 549. 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 commodus, togate, standing right and clasping right hands with senator, standing left, with the legend PIETATI SENATVS COS V P P S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
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 concluded the Pax Romana and, while featuring less external military conflict than his father's reign, was characterised by internal intrigues and conspiracies. Commodus increasingly adopted a dictatorial leadership style until his assassination in 192, which brought an end to the Nerva–Antonine dynasty.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this bronze sestertius features an obverse depicting Commodus wearing a laurel wreath alongside the legend "M COMMODVS ANT P FELIX AVG BRIT". During the imperial period, the sestertius served as a coin useful for commerce, historically representing a quarter of a denarius. The reverse illustrates Commodus, togate, clasping right hands with a standing senator, accompanied by the inscription "PIETATI SENATVS 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
Commodus, togate, standing right and clasping right hands with senator, standing left
Obverse legend
M COMMODVS ANT P FELIX AVG BRIT
Reverse legend
PIETATI SENATVS COS V P P S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Commodus 549
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
M COMMODVS ANT P FELIX AVG BRIT
Reverse legend to match
PIETATI SENATVS 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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